Pedestrian is killed in 1 of 2 hit-and-runs

Two hit-and-run accidents on Oahu early Tuesday left a 41-year-old man dead and a 62-year-old man in critical condition.

Donald B. Calarruda of Waianae was walking in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Linakola Street and Farrington Highway when he was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound on the highway about 3:50 a.m., said Lt. James Slayter of the Honolulu Police Department’s Traffic Division.

He died of blunt force injuries to the torso, the Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office said.

Calarruda’s death is the 53rd traffic-related fatality on Oahu compared to 35 at the same time last year. This is also the 92nd traffic-related fatality statewide, 32 of which involved pedestrians.

After the initial impact, Calarruda was struck by a second vehicle traveling in the same direction and thrown onto the westbound lanes of the highway where he was struck by a third vehicle.

He was taken to an area hospital in critical condition where he later died.

Police said the first vehicle — described as a white pickup truck with pipe racks — fled the scene. It is unknown at this time if speed or alcohol were factors.

In a separate hit-and run accident, a 62-year-old moped operator was critically injured after he was struck by a vehicle on the North Shore at about 2 a.m.

Police said the moped rider was traveling Kahuku-­bound on Kamehameha Highway near Sunset Beach Park when he was struck by a vehicle that fled.

Based on the debris at the crash scene, investigators determined the vehicle is a gray, 2012 to 2016 Toyota Tacoma. The vehicle sustained damage to the front bumper and fender on the driver’s side.

Police said the moped rider was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.

Emergency Medical Services said he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Tuesday’s two hit-and- run accidents come as police are continuing to investigate a Sept. 30 fatal hit-and-run accident in Mokuleia. Dr. Eugene Chin, 76, was walking his dog about 6:50 a.m. when he was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound on Farrington Highway near the Mokuleia polo field.

The driver fled after the crash.

Shortly after, police seized a white sedan but police were unable to verify who the driver was at the time of the crash.

Slayter said they have several leads in the Mokuleia hit-and-run but have made no arrests yet.

Anyone with information on the hit-and-runs is asked to call the police department’s Traffic Division at 723-3413.