Hawaii: Tow truck driver, 25, critically injured after struck by vehicle near Schofield Barracks
Friends and family have identified the tow truck driver who was struck by a car, Thursday morning, as 25-year-old, Val Tua. Tua was hospitalized in critical condition after a crash near the Schofield Barracks' Lyman Gate, Thursday morning, according to Emergency Medical Services officials.
It happened just before 6:30 a.m. at Lyman Road and Kunia Road. Tua was securing a truck involved in a separate crash, when another car rear-ended the tow truck. EMS says the tow truck driver suffered injures to both legs.
Meanwhile, the driver of the car, a 25-year-old Army soldier from Ewa Beach, was not hurt, according to police. "It appears that speed is a factor at this time," Honolulu Police, Lt. Carlene Lau said. "Please everybody, obey the speed limit. Slow down. Don't be in such a hurry. Take your time, and watch out for others on the roadway,"
Empire Towing and Recovery, owner Matthew Barros, along with others on social media saddened by the incident are reminding drivers to abide the "Move Over Law." That law requires drivers to slow down, and move into the adjacent lane when a emergency vehicle, including tow trucks are working.
"Everyday we go out.. we're worried about each other.. it's a dangerous to do, " Barros said. "It would be nice if the public appreciated it and looked at a tow truck, as a-- also an emergency responding vehicle." Barros says he hopes police will crack down on the law, to avoid another incident, similar to this.
He says he closed, Empire Towing and Recovery, for the day. Adding that his co-workers are devastated by the incident, and want to show the Tua family their support at the hospital. "We're just asking for prayers.. our prayers go out to the Tua family," he said.
Police closed the northbound lanes of Kunia Road from Anonui Street to Lyman Gate during the investigation. The road was reopened just before 10 a.m.
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