A 57-year-old Glenwood man died Thursday from injuries he sustained in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 11 in front of Hirano Store, according to Big Island police.

Responding to a 4:35 p.m. call, traffic investigators determined that a 2001 Ford four-door station wagon was traveling northbound on Highway 11 when the driver made a left turn into the Hirano Store parking lot.

A 33-year old woman from Glenwood was following from behind in a 2005 Dodge van when she crossed the center line to avoid a collision but struck the Ford station wagon.  The van flipped over landing on its roof, according to fire officials.

"That when I knew the car was going to hit the other car," said witness Maria Duquette.  "The car that came this way at 60 mph flipped three times over."

Police are investigating whether the driver of the Ford station wagon made an abrupt turn into the Hirano Store parking lot.

Fire officials say the man driving the Ford station wagon was ejected from his vehicle and found in a drainage ditch.  Hewas pronounced dead at the scene.  Fire Department rescue personnel took the woman to Hilo Medical Center with chest, abdomen and neck pain.

The road was closed until around 9 p.m. while police investigated the crash.

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

The driver of the Ford station wagon was not wearing his seat belt, according to investigators.  Police say the woman driving the Dodge van was wearing hers.

A negligent homicide investigation has been initiated and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The name of the man is being withheld pending positive identification.

Police ask that anyone with information about the crash call Officer Tuckloy Aurello at 961-8119.

This is the 32nd traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 16 at this time last year.

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