KIPU — Two separate crashes closed Kaumualii Highway in Kipu Saturday morning. One resulted in a fatality; the other left a Kalaheo woman in critical condition. A man was killed in the three-car crash that occurred around 10 a.m. on
KIPU — Two separate crashes closed Kaumualii Highway in Kipu Saturday morning. One resulted in a fatality; the other left a Kalaheo woman in critical condition.
A man was killed in the three-car crash that occurred around 10 a.m. on Kaumualii Highway, according to a news release from the Kauai Police Department.
The person’s identity was not released.
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, according to the release. While attempting to cut in front of the Mustang, the truck apparently 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 release stated.
The male driver of the Ford truck was transported to Wilcox Memorial Hospital, where he was treated and then released.
The female driver of the Mustang did not require medical attention.
At 1:35 p.m., two lanes of the highway were reopened to allow two-way traffic.
Police were continuing their investigation of the crash.
Earlier Saturday morning, police reported that 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, according to the release. She suffered critical injuries and was transported to Wilcox Memorial Hospital before being flown to Honolulu for further treatment.
Kaumualii Highway was closed until about 6:30 a.m. while KPD’s Traffic Safety Section conducted an investigation.
