A man sustained serious injuries in a rear-end collision involving a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) and a pickup truck on Kaumualii Highway, near the Omao Track, yesterday morning. The crash occurred at approximately 6 a.m., when a 60-year-old male UTV driver was hit from behind by a truck driven by a 20-year-old Koloa man, as reported by KITV.
The impact forced the UTV to strike the embankment on the westbound shoulder, which caused the vehicle to tip onto its side. Following this, the driver of the UTV was ejected from the vehicle, according to a Kauai Police Department statement as covered by Hawaii News Now. The man driving the UTV was then swiftly transported to Wilcox Medical Center, where he is listed in serious but stable condition.
The driver of the pickup truck did not sustain injuries during the incident. Subsequently, Kaumualii Highway was shut down in both directions for around two hours to allow for an on-site police investigation. Officers are looking into the circumstance of the crash; however, they have stated that "speed and impairment do not appear to be contributing factors at this time," as noted by Hawaii News Now.
As for the ongoing investigation, authorities are still piecing together the events leading up to the collision and have prompted any witnesses to come forward. Those with information can contact Officer Himongala at 808-241-1617, and anonymous tips can be provided by calling Crime Stoppers Kauai at 808-246-8300, or through submitting tips online, or via the Crime Stoppers Kauai P3 Tips mobile app.
