11-year-old boy suffers serious injuries after falling out of pickup truck on Big Island
An 11-year-old boy was flown to Kapi‘olani Children’s Hospital on O‘ahu after falling out of the bed of a pickup truck on Tuesday and then being run over by a food wagon being towed by the vehicle.
Hawai‘i Island police responded to the traffic incident at 7:34 p.m. near the intersection of Maile Way and Alanui Iiwi Road in Volcano. Through the course of their investigation, officers determined the young boy, who was riding in the bed of the pickup, lost his balance and fell out before being run over.
He was initially taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center. However, because of the severity of his injuries, he was ultimately transported to Honolulu for further treatment, according to police.
The pickup truck and food wagon were recovered by police as evidence pending further examination.
Police believe that speed and impairment are not factors in this investigation, and no arrests have been made at this time.
Police remind motorists that riding in the bed of a pickup truck presents significant safety risks.
As of June 5, 2026, Hawai‘i state law prohibits operators from allowing passengers under the age of 16 to ride in the bed of a pickup truck. Police encourage all motorists to ensure passengers ride in designated seating positions and are wearing a seat belt whenever a vehicle is in operation.
The Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit is continuing this negligent injury investigation. Police ask anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has additional information to contact Sgt. Keith Nacis at 808-935-3311 or via email at keith.nacis@hawaiipolice.gov.
