Hawaii Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Christopher D. Gali
Phone: 961-2332
August 6, 2007
Report No. C07025238
Media Release
A 47-year-old Puna man died Monday (August 6) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle traffic crash at the south end of Railroad Avenue in Hilo.
The driver was identified as Kevin E. Bell of Mt. View.
Responding to a 7:07 a.m. call, South Hilo patrol and Traffic Enforcement Unit officers determined that the driver was traveling south on Railroad Avenue in a 1988 Toyota 4-door sedan when he came to the dead end and crashed into a rock embankment.
The driver and a 40-year-old female passenger were transported to Hilo Medical Center. The driver was pronounced dead at 11:33 a.m. The passenger was listed in serious condition.
Police suspect that speed and alcohol were factors this crash. The driver was not wearing a seat belt while the passenger was wearing hers.
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 22nd traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 20 at this time last year.