Kurtistown Crash Leaves Driver Critical
A three-vehicle traffic collision in Kurtistown on Friday evening, Nov. 13, 2026, left a 59-year-old man in critical condition, Hawai‘i Island police reported.
Officers responded to the crash at 5:11 p.m. at the intersection of Kuauli Road and Highway 11. Investigators determined that a 2014 Kia Soul was making a left turn from Kuauli Road onto Highway 11 when it failed to yield to a 2007 Chevrolet van traveling toward Kea‘au. The van struck the Kia before sliding into a stopped 2021 Toyota Corolla sedan.
Kia driver remains in critical condition after collision
The 59-year-old male operator of the Kia was found unresponsive at the scene. Emergency responders transported him to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition while awaiting a medevac transfer to Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu.
Neither the 69-year-old male driver of the Chevrolet van nor the 35-year-old female driver of the Toyota Corolla sustained injuries in the collision, according to police.
Police seek witnesses to the crash
Investigators currently do not suspect speed, alcohol, or drugs as contributing factors in the crash. Authorities ask anyone who witnessed the collision to contact Officer Melani Cline at (808) 935-3311 or via email at Melani.Cline@hawaiipolice.gov. Anonymous tips can be directed to Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
Kurtistown Collision Questions
What caused the Kurtistown collision?
Police said that a 2014 Kia Soul failed to yield to a Chevrolet van while making a left turn from Kuauli Road onto Highway 11.
Who was injured in the accident?
Only the 59-year-old male driver of the Kia sustained injuries, leaving him in critical condition at Hilo Benioff Medical Center.
Are investigators looking for witnesses?
Hawai‘i Island police urged witnesses to contact Officer Melani Cline or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
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