Fatal accident

The deceased was reportedly driving the loader on a steep road between Taoa and Vaipua when the  incident occurred.

It was unclear whether the loader was doing roadworks in the area or not before the incident happened.

The deceased has been named as Kalei Fonua of Leimatu’a, Vava’u, according to reports by relatives and family members on Facebook.

Neiafu Town Officer Vāvā Lapota has confirmed the incident to Kaniva News.

Reports on social media said the deceased was working for the Veisiale Construction.

According to Kaniva News, Police attended to the crash on Taufa’āhau Rd.

Photos on social media, showed a vehicle lying upside down outside some stores and authorities responding to the scene.

Other details of the accident are still sketchy.

Photo Facebook 

The victim is said to be a 46 year old who was found dead and trapped in a shipping container.

Kaniva News reports the victim is a member of a popular band of the early 1990’s.

Ports Authority Tonga confirmed in a statement that the victim is an employee of Dateline Transam Shipping Ltd.

The company said it offered its condolences to the victim’s family.

Photo source Kaniva News file. Caption: Queen Salote Wharf

The suspect has been charged with Reckless driving causing death.

Police say accused was driving a rental car heading West on Taufa’ahau Road around 11.40pm on Saturday when he hit the deceased who was walking beside the road at Ha’ateiho.

The accused failed to stop and ascertain injury or death. He finally stopped at Tofoa and contacted Police about the fatal accident.

The 21 year-old victim of Ha’ateiho was rushed to Vaiola Hospital by members of the Ha’ateiho Community Patrol Volunteers.

He died yesterday morning. 

The Ministry of Health Director Siale ‘Akau’ola has confirmed this to Kaniva News.

Health authorities have suspected that alcohol is a factor in the fatal collision.

In a text message, ‘Akau’ola said: “Just confirmed from Vaiola Hospital that accident involved a possible drunk driving. Driver died together with one passenger. One passenger at hospital and another passenger OK”.

Police and the road authority have been trying crackdown on drink driving in Tonga following a spate of fatal road accidents this year. 

Police alleged the victim,  Liufau Tāufa, 26, was hit at 12am  midnight, Saturday 13 infront of the Maamaloa Side School and Tupou High School at Vaololoa.

The ambulance arrived and confirmed the victim was dead at the scene.