(BIVN) – A deadly crash claimed the life of a 27-year-old North Kohala man on Thursday.
Police say Anson Guitang of Kapaʻau died following a two-vehicle collision on Kohala Mountain Road near the 4.5-mile marker.
On Thursday morning, the Hawaiʻi Police Department reported Kohala Mountain Road was closed between the 6 mile markers and the Hawaii Preparatory Academy campus due to a traffic accident. Police reported the road was open after 11 a.m.
Police shared the details in a later media release.
Hawaiʻi County Police Departmenton December 20, 2018
Responding to a 7:33 a.m. call, police determined that a green 2000 Honda Civic 4-door sedan heading south, (Kamuela bound, had crossed double solid yellow lines near a turn and struck a northbound red 2008 Ford F-150 pickup truck head-on.The driver of the Ford pickup truck was being operated by a 70-year-old Kamuela man. Guitang was transported to the North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 8:10 a.m.
The operator and 24-year-old male passenger of the Ford pickup truck were taken to North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital by a private vehicle. Both parties were treated for their injuries and later released.
Police believe speed is a possible factor in the crash.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Coroner’s Inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Justin Hooser at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229.
This is the 32nd traffic fatality this year compared to 32 at this time last year.
by Big Island Video News
on at
STORY SUMMARY
KOHALA MOUNTAIN ROAD - 27-year-old North Kohala man died following a two-vehicle collision on Thursday, December 20.