Updated at 5:39 p.m., Monday, August 6, 2007
Speed, alcohol factors in fatal Hilo crash
Advertiser Staff
A 47-year-old Puna man died from injuries suffered in a one-car crash today in Hilo, the second Big Island traffic fatality in as many days and 22nd this year.The victim was identified by police as Kevin E. Bell of Mountain View.
Police Traffic Enforcement Unit supervising investigator Sgt. Christopher Gali said Bell was driving south on Railroad Avenue when his 1988 Toyota sedan crashed into a rock embankment.
The crash was reported to police at 7:07 a.m.
Bell was pronounced dead at Hilo Medical Center at 11:33 a.m., said Gali.
A woman passenger, 40, was listed in serious condition at Hilo Medical Center.
Bell was not wearing a seatbelt, and speed and alcohol appear to be factors, Gali said.
There were 20 traffic deaths on this date last year.
