KIPU — Two separate crashes closed Kaumualii Highway in Kipu this morning. One resulted in a fatality; the other left a Kalaheo woman in critical condition. At 1:35 p.m., Kauai police reopened two lanes of the highway to allow for two-way
KIPU — Two separate crashes closed Kaumualii Highway in Kipu this morning. One resulted in a fatality; the other left a Kalaheo woman in critical condition.
At 1:35 p.m., Kauai police reopened two lanes of the highway to allow for two-way traffic.
The three-car crash that occurred around 10 a.m. on Kaumualii Highway resulted in one death. The person’s identity is not yet known.
The crash occurred when a Ford pickup, heading east near Halfway Bridge, attempted to overtake a Ford Mustang using the eastbound shoulder of the highway. While attempting to cut in front of the Mustang, the truck clipped the Mustang’s front-end, causing the pickup to lose control. The truck then veered onto the westbound lane of the highway and broadsided a Chevy sedan.
The male driver of the Chevy sedan died from his injuries.
The male driver of the Ford truck was transported to Wilcox Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released.
The female driver of the Mustang did not require medical attention.
Police continue their investigation of the crash.
Earlier this morning, a 22-year-old Kalaheo woman was hospitalized after a single-vehicle crash that occurred at around 2:30 a.m., also on Kaumualii Highway in Kipu.
The woman was heading west near the Kauai Humane Society when the Nissan SUV she was driving veered off the roadway and struck the guard rail and a utility pole. She suffered critical injuries and was transported by medics to Wilcox Memorial Hospital before being medevaced to Honolulu for further treatment.
Kaumualii Highway was closed in both directions until approximately 6:30 a.m. while personnel from KPD’s Traffic Safety Section conducted an investigation.
