Three elderly men were injured and one elderly woman died in a fatal three-vehicle traffic collision on Daniel K. Inouye (DKI) Highway at the 25-mile marker, on Saturday afternoon, March 16, 2024.
According to the reports, the operator of the BMW sedan, a 69-year-old man from Pāhoa, sustained injuries and was admitted for treatment. The driver of the 2007 Chevy pickup truck, a 65-year-old man from Pāhoa, sustained minor injuries and was also taken to Hilo Medical Center. An 85-year-old man from Keauhou, who was driving the Ford SUV, was transported and admitted to Hilo Medical Center for treatment.
Unfortunately, the front seat passenger of the Ford SUV, 80-year-old Diane Pittman from Keauhou, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. The occupants of the Ford SUV were related.
The East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation into the incident, citing speed and reckless driving as primary factors in the crash.
In response to the tragic event, Officer Laurence Davis urged anyone with information about the collision to come forward. Officer Davis can be reached at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Laurence.Davis@hawaiicounty.gov. Alternatively, individuals wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This incident marks the 8th traffic fatality of 2024, compared to 5 traffic fatalities during the same period last year.