KAILUA, Hawaii (Island News) — A 16-year-old girl was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Pali Highway Thursday morning.
At approximately 6 a.m., authorities reported the teenage driver was speeding in the Kailua-bound lanes when she lost control and struck a concrete barrier. The vehicle then plunged about 50 feet into a ravine, continuing across and striking an embankment before catching fire.
Honolulu Police said the girl, who was not wearing a seatbelt, had to be extracted from the ravine and was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the victim has not yet been disclosed. It remains unclear if drugs or alcohol contributed to the crash.
The Pali Highway was closed for seven hours as officials conducted an investigation. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene.
Witnesses and local driving experts expressed concern over teen driving habits, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of road safety. “It's choices that people make, which lead to them getting into crashes,” remarked Melissa Faufata, owner of 5-0 Driving School.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.