On Saturday, April 29th, 2023 at approximately 6:45 pm, the Police received reports of a road fatality in Navutoka. The incident involved a 66-year-old male driver who was traveling northbound on Halatahi Road in Navutoka with three passengers. The passengers included a 69-year-old male from Kolofo’ou and his two daughters, aged five and two.
Unfortunately, due to reckless driving, the driver lost control of the wheel, resulting in the car swerving to the right side of the road and colliding with a ‘toa’ tree. The driver, who was intoxicated at the time, and his passengers sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital. Tragically, the 2-year-old female passenger lost her life as a result of the accident, with Vaiola hospital confirming her passing around 10 pm that evening.
The Police are currently conducting investigations into the incident, while the driver and his passengers continue to receive medical treatment at the hospital. This marks the first road fatality in Tongatapu this year, and the second in the Kingdom, with the first occurring in Vava’u earlier in the year.
The Tonga Police urge all drivers to take their responsibilities seriously while on the road and to be mindful of their passengers’ lives. It is essential to exercise caution for the safety of everyone and avoid causing unnecessary harm.
Source: Government Press
