Police Investigating Three-Vehicle Crash in Kurtistown that Left a Man Critically Injured

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a three-vehicle traffic collision that occurred in Kurtistown on Friday evening, Nov. 13, 2026, that left a man in critical condition.

At 5:11 p.m., officers responded to a call at the intersection of Kuauli Road and Highway 11.  Police determined that a 2014 Kia Soul multi-purpose vehicle was making a left turn from Kuauli Road onto Highway 11 and failed to yield to a 2007 Chevrolet van, which was traveling Kea‘au bound on Highway 11. The van subsequently struck the Kia. The van then slid and struck a 2021 Toyota Corolla four-door sedan that was stopped in the left turn lane on Highway 11.

The 59-year-old male operator of the Kia was unresponsive at the scene. He was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center for treatment where he is listed in critical condition and is awaiting to be medevacked to Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu.  

The 69-year-old male operator of the van and the 35-year-old female operator of the Toyota were not injured as a result of the collision.

At this time, police do not believe that speed, alcohol, and/or drugs are factors in this crash.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to please contact Officer Melani Cline at (808) 935-3311, or via email at Melani.Cline@hawaiipolice.gov. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.