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A three-year-old girl remains hospitalized in critical condition after a parked car rolled backward and struck her Saturday morning in Mountain View, according to the Hawaii Police Department. The incident, which occurred on Hibiscus Street around 10:03 a.m., has prompted a renewed focus on vehicle safety around children.
Police say the vehicle was parked in a driveway with three juveniles inside—a 17-year-old girl, a 6-year-old boy, and the 3-year-old girl who was later struck. The car was accidentally shifted into neutral, causing it to roll backward. The toddler, who was walking behind the vehicle, was hit. The car continued rolling until it struck an unattended parked car and a tree before coming to a stop.
First responders arrived within minutes and transported the injured child to Hilo Benioff Medical Center in critical condition. She was later airlifted to Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children on O‘ahu for advanced care. Officials have not provided an update on her condition as of Monday, but sources close to the family confirm she remains in intensive care.
No other injuries were reported. The crash remains under investigation, and police have not announced any charges. Officer Laurence Davis is leading the inquiry. Anyone with information is asked to call 808-961-2339 or email Laurence.Davis@hawaiipolice.gov. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.
This incident underscores a common but preventable hazard: vehicles rolling when parked on inclines. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 5% of all non-traffic crashes involve a vehicle rolling away unattended. Experts recommend always engaging the parking brake fully, turning the wheels toward the curb when parked on a slope, and never leaving children unsupervised in a vehicle with the engine running or key in the ignition.
The Hawaii Police Department has not disclosed whether the parking brake was engaged at the time of the accident. The 17-year-old and 6-year-old were not injured, but were reportedly shaken. The family has requested privacy as they focus on the toddler’s recovery.
Community members have expressed concern on social media, with some calling for increased awareness campaigns about driveway safety. The Mountain View neighborhood is a quiet residential area, and such a serious injury is rare there.
Police urge any additional witnesses to come forward, even if they believe their information is minor. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected later this week.
As of Monday, March 24, 2025, the toddler’s condition remains critical. The case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a parked car can become a danger when children are present.
