Laupahoehoe, HI – Bus Crash on Mamalahoa Hwy Sends 22 to Hospital
October 1, 2025
Laupahoehoe, HI (October 1, 2025) – A devastating crash left 22 people hurt after a Hele-On bus lost control and slid off Mamalahoa Highway on Tuesday morning, September 30, in Laupahoehoe.
The crash happened around 5:20 a.m. near the 25.5-mile marker on Mamalahoa Highway, also known as Highway 19, about 25 miles northwest of Hilo. According to the Hawaii Police Department, the bus driver, a 66-year-old man from Hilo, had parked the bus and walked toward the back to check for open seats when it suddenly began rolling backward down the sloped roadway.
The bus broke through a guardrail and plunged down the steep makai side of the highway before tipping onto its passenger side. The force of the impact shattered windows and trapped passengers inside.
Emergency crews from the Hawaii Fire Department responded within minutes. Rescuers climbed the embankment, opened emergency exits, and pulled passengers to safety. They worked quickly to free the trapped rider while paramedics assessed victims for head injuries, spinal damage, and broken bones.
Paramedics transported all 22 passengers to Hilo Benioff Medical Center for further treatment. The driver was not injured in the crash. Several passengers suffered serious, potentially life-changing injuries.
Officials spent several hours at the scene, documenting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating what caused the bus to roll out of control. The Hawaii Police Department is leading the investigation and will share more information as it becomes available.
Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time. We wish them a full and swift recovery.
Traffic Accidents in Hawaii
Bus crashes can cause devastating injuries because passengers have little protection inside large, heavy vehicles. Hawaii’s winding roads, steep embankments, and sharp turns add extra risk when a bus loses control. Even a small mechanical failure or a brief moment of distraction can lead to a catastrophic crash like the one in Laupahoehoe.
Victims of these collisions often suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple fractures. Some face permanent disabilities that require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and home modifications. The emotional toll can also be overwhelming for both victims and their families.
Medical bills after a bus crash can climb quickly, especially when surgeries and ongoing therapy are needed. Victims may miss work for weeks or months, losing critical income while trying to recover. Insurance companies sometimes push for fast settlements that don’t cover the true cost of long-term care, making it vital to have strong legal representation.
A trusted car accident lawyer can investigate the crash, identify all responsible parties, and fight for full compensation. This includes payment for medical treatment, lost wages, future care needs, pain and suffering, and more. Legal guidance also helps victims navigate complex insurance claims and hold negligent parties accountable.
At Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, we stand by victims of catastrophic bus accidents in Hawaii. We understand how devastating these crashes can be and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in an accident, call Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner at (808) 563-4073 for a free consultation and compassionate support.
Notes: Our team of writers uses secondary sources such as news reports, local and state police incident reports to create these posts. We have not independently verified all of the facts surrounding this particular accident, so if there is any information that is incorrect, please contact Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner so that we can update the post to reflect the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: This post is not a solicitation for business. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical assistance immediately.