72-year-old Heserlina Emata of Milpitas, California died following a three-vehicle collision near the intersection of Palani Road and Tomi Tomi Drive in North Kona on Monday, May 2.
Police determined that a gray 2020 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, driven by a 37-year-old Kailua-Kona man, was heading north on Palani Road when it crossed the double solid yellow lines and side swiped a white 2004 Honda Accord traveling south that was operated by a 76-year-old Kailua-Kona woman. After sideswiping the Honda sedan, the pickup truck then struck a silver 2020 Chrysler Pacific van head on. The van, which was operated by a 58 year-old California man, contained five female passengers.
The driver of the Honda Accord was treated at the scene. The pickup truck driver, as well as the driver and all five passengers of the van were transported to Kona Community Hospital for treatment. The 72-year-old female passenger of the Chrysler van later died on Wednesday, May 4.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Jason Foxworthy at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or via email at Jason.foxworthy@hawaiicounty.gov.
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