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Mac nut truck driver who died in Keaau crash Monday is identified

Hawaii 24/7 Staff

The driver of a Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts delivery truck died Monday afternoon when the truck hit a tree in Keaau, according to a Fire Department report.

Firefighters were called to Macadamia Road at 12:48 p.m. and found the truck had hit a pine tree.

The impact crushed the truck’s cab and the 67-year-old driver was declared dead at the scene, officials said.

Police have opened an investigation into the cause of the crash.

UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE (8/30/11)

A 67-year-old Hilo man died Monday (August 29) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Macadamia Road, 1.6 miles east of Hawaiʻi Belt Road (Route 11).

The victim was identified as Reginald N. Iwasaki of a Hilo address.

Responding to a 12:49 p.m. call, Puna patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 2005 GMC van and traveling east on Macadamia Road when he drifted off the left side of the road and struck a tree.

The victim had to be extricated by Fire Department personnel and later transported to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 3:25 p.m. He was wearing a seat belt.

It is unknown at this time if speed, alcohol or drugs were involved in this crash.

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

Because this crash occurred on a private road, the death is not counted toward the official traffic fatality count.

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