LIHU‘E — A one-vehicle crash closed a portion of Kapule Highway near Vidinha Stadium Tuesday afternoon. At approximately 2:25 p.m. a single-occupant vehicle slammed into a utility pole resulting in downed power-lines and closed a portion of Kapule Highway. Stop
LIHU‘E — A one-vehicle crash closed a portion of Kapule Highway near Vidinha Stadium Tuesday afternoon.
At approximately 2:25 p.m. a single-occupant vehicle slammed into a utility pole resulting in downed power-lines and closed a portion of Kapule Highway. Stop lights near the scene are out of order or flashing red.
Kaua‘i Police Department, Fire Department and Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative workers were on the scene. KPD headquarters is near the scene and was reportedly running on generator power.
Chalsie Quel, 22, of Lihu‘e, was a witness to the accident. She was driving behind the four-wheel drive vehicle that appeared to be swerving for some time.
As they approached the stadium the vehicle apparently failed to see another car that was stopped to turn left on to the golf course road. To avoid rear-ending the car, the vehicle swerved into the right lane at high speed and lost control.
Quel said the truck went off the shoulder and on to the embankment where it struck and snapped a utility pole in half. She had to react quickly to avoid the same car and wound up in the right lane with the downed power lines hanging and sparking just above her front windshield.
The male driver of the truck that struck the pole exited his vehicle and Quel said he appeared to have a head injury stumbling around.
Quel said she backed up and made her way to the stadium road and parking lot. A group of women present for their daughters sporting activities called 911.
The road remains closed as of late afternoon. The condition of the driver is not yet known.
∫ Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or by emailing tlaventure@ thegardenisland.com.
