Suspect in fatal road accident charged

Tonga Police have arrested and charged a 49-year-old man from Vaini/Kolofo’ou who allegedly caused the death of a man in a hit and run case over the weekend.

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. 

This latest fatal death brings the total number of deaths on the road this year to 2, compared to 18 road deaths for the previous year, 2016.

While the full circumstances of the fatal accident are yet to be determined, all too often Police are attending fatal accident and serious crashes that are avoidable.

Police say so many families have been dealing with the grief of losing a loved one on our roads, and that’s incredibly sad.

“Accident like this is preventable and we all need to do our part to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads,” says Acting Chief Superintendent Sisi Toutai Tonga.

The accused is in police custody while investigation continues.