WAIKAPU, Maui (Island News) — A fatal crash involving a school bus occurred Thursday morning on Kuihelani Highway, resulting in one death.
Authorities said 27-year-old Victor Harris of Kahului died after colliding with the rear of a 2024 Thomas school bus near the intersection of East Waiko Road just after 6 a.m. on May 14.
According to a preliminary investigation, Harris was driving a gray 2015 Nissan Versa southbound when he failed to slow for stopped traffic. The impact caused the sedan to be pinned under the bus.
Harris suffered critical injuries and was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center, where he later died. The 61-year-old bus driver from Haiku was not injured.
Investigators noted that Harris was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, while the bus driver was properly restrained. It remains unclear whether speed, drugs, or alcohol were factors, and the investigation is ongoing.
This incident marks Maui County's second traffic fatality of 2026, compared to nine fatalities during the same period last year.
“The Maui Police Department extends our deepest condolences to Mr. Harris' family and friends,” the department stated in a news release.