A Kaimuki man narrowly escaped major injuries yesterday when his car flipped over after striking a large rock in the middle of the street.

The single-car accident happened in a residential area fronting 844 22nd Ave.

Neighbors said they had heard a commotion about a half-hour before the accident, which they said turned out to be vandals throwing a concrete park bench onto the street, as well as a large rock about 2 feet in diameter.

About 3:15 a.m., neighbors said, they were awakened by the sound of a car hitting two parked cars. When they came out they found the car on its side and the driver OK, but pinned in the vehicle.

One neighbor who attended to the driver said the driver told him he didn't see the rock until it was too late. His car hit the rock, flipped and hit two vehicles parked on the street. Firefighters pried him out of his car.