Driver charged after man injured in Kauai truck bed accident

ANAHOLA, Hawaii (KHON2) -- A crash in Anahola, Kauai, has left one person seriously injured and led to the driver's arrest, according to Kauai police. Officials said the crash occurred on Saturday, March 28, around 3 p.m., when a pickup truck attempted to make a right turn onto Hokualele Road from Kuhio Highway. While executing the turn, a vehicle crossed the center line and hit a guardrail. A 46-year-old man who was riding in the bed of the truck was thrown from the vehicle upon impact, causing him to suffer from serious injuries. He was flown to The Queen's Medical Center on Oahu for treatment. Police said the driver did not remain at the scene after the crash but was later found and arrested on multiple charges. After on-scene investigation, the driver was arrested for Negligent Injury in the First Degree, Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant, Reckless Driving, Inattention to Driving and Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Substantial Bodily Injury. Authorities identified the driver as 61-year-old Roland Vierra of Anahola. He has since been released pending investigation. This vehicle crash marks Hawaii's second serious crash involving someone riding in the bed of a truck. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers at (808) 246-8300.