Early morning head-on crash on Big Island leaves one driver dead
The 34-year-old driver of a white Toyota pickup truck died this morning in a head-on crash with a school bus on Highway 19 near mile marker 49 in Honokaa on Hawaii island.
Hawaii County police said the truck, headed toward Honokaa, crossed the center line and hit a large bus at about 4:53 a.m. heading in the Waimea-bound lane.
The 52-year-old bus driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle. He was taken to the North Hawaii Community Hospital and treated for his injuries.
The pickup truck driver was also the sole occupant of the truck and was taken unconscious to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
His identity has not been released, pending notification of next of kin.
This was the 14th fatal traffic collision on Hawaii island, compared to 12 during the same period in 2020.
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A coroner’s inquest is pending.
Police are asking for any witnesses to the crash or any information to contact Sgt. Jeremy Riddle at (808) 961-2391. Anonymous tipsters may call CrimeStoppers at (808) 961-8300.
