UPDATE: Visitors “Lucky to Survive” 250-Ft Drop off Crater Road

Haleakalā, Crater Road. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Officials at Haleakalā National Park have released further details on a traffic accident reported earlier this week in which a vehicle plunged hundreds of feet off Crater Road.

The two individuals that were in the vehicle were airlifted to safety during the incident, reported on Tuesday morning, April 23.

In a statement issued today, Chief Ranger James Mar said, “They were incredibly lucky to survive a drop of over 250 feet down the side of a volcano.”

According to park officials, the vehicle was “downward-bound” when the incident occurred.

Authorities said the couple, who was visiting Maui from North Carolina, suffered serious injuries in the fall.

Both occupants were transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center, placed under observation, and have since been released, according to authorities with Haleakalā National Park.

Park rangers were first on scene and worked closely with the Maui Fire Department to extricate and transport the victims, according to updated information.

Authorities say the incident remains under investigation.

Haleakalā, Crater Road. File photo by Wendy Osher.

Haleakalā, Crater Road. File photo by Wendy Osher.