Teen Critically Injured in Three-Vehicle Crash Near Omao Road on Kaumualii Highway

A teenage driver in a 1995 Toyota truck was critically injured after a three-vehicle collision near the intersection of Kaumualii Highway and Omao Road around 7 a.m. Monday, Kauai police said. The teen was initially taken to Wilcox Medical Center and later flown to The Queen’s Medical Center with critical injuries, police and hospital transport records indicate.

Kauai police described the crash sequence as follows: a 2000 Toyota sedan was making a left turn from Omao Road onto Kaumualii Highway when it was struck in the front by the eastbound 1995 Toyota truck driven by the teenager. After the initial impact, the 1995 truck lost control, entered the westbound lane and was then struck by a 2020 Toyota truck. Police said no other serious injuries were reported at the scene.

The crash forced Kaumualii Highway to be closed for about 1.5 hours while investigators worked the scene. "Kaumualii Highway was closed for approximately 1.5 hours while KPD’s Traffic Safety section conducted an on-scene investigation," Kauai police said, noting traffic through the Omao area was delayed during the morning commute.

Investigators from the Kauai Police Department Traffic Safety section remain on the case while officers gather witness statements and evidence, police said. "Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is urged to call Officer Henshaw at (808) 241-1616," authorities added, asking for any video or firsthand accounts from drivers on Kaumualii Highway around 7 a.m. Monday.

Those wishing to remain anonymous were directed to Crime Stoppers Kauai at (808) 246-8300 or the Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i P3 Tips mobile app to submit tips. In accordance with juvenile privacy laws, police said, "no further information about the driver is being released at this time."

Kauai police did not release vehicle models beyond the year and make of the three Toyotas involved, and they did not identify the occupants of the 2000 sedan or the 2020 truck; the department said only that no one else suffered serious injuries. Police have not announced whether impairment, speed, mechanical failure or roadway conditions are suspected and asked anyone with footage or information to contact Officer Henshaw and Crime Stoppers Kauai.