A 93-year-old driver who was critically injured in a wrong-way crash on the North King Street off-ramp of the Moanalua Freeway in Kalihi on May 11 has died, according to Honolulu authorities. The Honolulu Police Department’s Traffic Division said the Medical Examiner’s Office notified investigators on May 20 that the man had succumbed to his injuries, bringing Oʻahu’s 2026 traffic death toll to 15. The collision also left a 41-year-old motorist with pain; he declined treatment at the scene, and the case remains under investigation.
Crash on the North King Street off-ramp
According to Hawaii News Now, the crash happened around noon on May 11 when a 93-year-old motorist drove westbound into eastbound traffic on the North King Street off-ramp of the eastbound Moanalua Freeway in Kalihi. The wrong-way vehicle struck a 41-year-old man who was traveling in the correct direction. Emergency responders took the older driver to an area hospital in critical condition, while the 41-year-old complained of pain and refused treatment at the scene.
HPD confirms medical examiner update
The Honolulu Police Department later posted a Traffic Fatality update stating that the Medical Examiner’s Office informed investigators on May 20 that the "Unit 1 operator" had died from his injuries and was pronounced dead. HPD’s Traffic Fatality #15 entry lists the off-ramp crash location and notes that the Vehicular Homicide Section’s investigation is still underway.
Investigators say impairment was unlikely
Investigators, as reported by Hawaii News Now, say speed, drugs and alcohol do not appear to have played a role in the collision, and both drivers were wearing seatbelts. Officials have not released additional findings as they continue gathering evidence and reviewing the crash scene.
Why wrong-way crashes often involve older drivers
Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety identifies older age as a risk factor for fatal wrong-way crashes, along with alcohol impairment and driving alone. Safety experts point to a mix of human factors and road design issues, including medical conditions, confusing signage and poor markings, and note that jurisdictions are testing detection systems and clearer ramp guidance in an effort to cut down on these incidents.
What’s next
HPD says the Vehicular Homicide Section is continuing its investigation and is asking anyone with dash-cam video or information about the crash to contact the department. The agency’s Traffic Media page carries the latest updates and contact details for investigators.
