A 32-year-old Puna woman was killed Friday after a two-vehicle crash on the Panaewa stretch of Highway 11 near Mamaki Street in Hilo. Police identified the victim as Michaelah Turner of Kurtistown. Several teenagers in the other vehicle were taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center for treatment.
According to police, Turner was driving a 2017 Honda Accord that attempted to cross Highway 11 and failed to yield to a 2012 Toyota Tacoma, which then struck the Honda. The Tacoma's driver, a 17-year-old Hilo girl, and a 15-year-old female passenger were transported by private vehicle to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where they were treated for minor injuries. A 13-year-old male passenger was also taken to the same hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Turner was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead at 8:35 a.m., according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Crash details
The collision happened on the Panaewa stretch of Highway 11 near the Mamaki Street intersection, county officers said. Early reports indicate the Honda attempted to enter or cross the highway when it was struck by the Tacoma.
Hilo Benioff Medical Center, which treated the injured, lists its campus at 1190 Waianuenue Ave on its Hilo Benioff Medical Center site, where the hospital's contact page confirms that location.
Investigation and next steps
Hawaii Island police have classified the collision as a coroner's inquest and said they do not believe alcohol or drugs were factors. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Joshua Rodby-Tomas at (808) 961-2339 or [email protected], according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
What residents should know
The fatality is the latest in a string of recent traffic deaths on Hawai‘i Island this week. Local authorities continue to urge drivers to use extra caution on two-lane highways and at busy intersections, a message that lands with extra weight after a crash like this.
