A 60-year-old Hilo man died Thursday (April 10) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Route 190, .3 miles north of the 22 mile-marker in North Kona.

Responding to a 8:53 a.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 2008 Pontiac four-door sedan and traveling south on Route 190 when he lost control, ran off the road and struck a utility pole.

Fire Department personnel took the victim to North Hawaii Community Hospital, where he died at 10:27 a.m.

Police believe speed was a contributing factor in this crash. The victim was wearing his seatbelt.

The name of the victim is being withheld pending positive identification.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner's inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

This is the 12th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 12 at this time last year.

---