A traffic accident on Tuesday seriously injured an 11-year-old boy in Volcano.

Police responding to a report of traffic incident near the intersection of Maile Way and Alanui Iiwi Road at 7:34 p.m. determined that the boy was riding in the bed of a pickup truck that was towing a food wagon.

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During the incident, the boy lost his balance and fell from the bed of the pickup truck before being run over by the food wagon being towed by the vehicle, according to police.

The boy sustained serious injuries and was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was subsequently transported to Kapiolani Children’s Hospital on Oahu for further medical treatment.

The pickup truck and food wagon were recovered by police as evidence, pending further examination.

Police believe that speed and impairment were not factors in this accident, and no arrests have been made at this time.

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Police remind motorists that riding in the bed of a pickup truck presents significant safety risks.

As of June 5, Hawaii state law (HRS 291-14), prohibits operators from carrying passengers under 16 years of age from riding 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.

Police are continuing this negligent injury investigation and ask anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has additional information to please contact Sergeant Keith Nacis at (808) 935-3311, or via email at [email protected].

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