KALAHEO — A mini-van collided with a Chevron tank truck on Kaumuali‘i Highway mid-morning yesterday, bringing traffic on both sides to a screeching halt for more than an hour. The driver of a white Nissan Quest, a male, 77, sustained
KALAHEO — A mini-van collided with a Chevron tank truck on Kaumuali‘i Highway mid-morning yesterday, bringing traffic on both sides to a screeching halt for more than an hour. The driver of a white Nissan Quest, a male, 77, sustained major injuries; the driver of the truck was fine, according to the Kaua‘i Police Department Traffic Safety Unit.
The eastbound van reportedly veered off the road and into the side of the westbound tanker around 11:22 a.m. just west of Holy Cross Church at mile marker 12.
About a dozen Kaua‘i police and fire department officials responded to the scene, as well as paramedics.
The incident shut down the island’s sole east-west thoroughfare through Kalaheo until 12:45 p.m., at which time a single lane was opened for traffic. The highway was not completely reopened until 1:30 p.m., following a KPD investigation of the scene and the removal of both vehicles.
The van was towed from the scene into Lihu‘e; the tanker sustained only minor damages.
The cause of the traffic accident is under investigation. Traffic Safety could not comment on whether alcohol or speeding was believed to be involved.
