The Tongan police believed speed and alcohol were factors in crashes that claimed two lives last week in two separate road accidents.
A 25-year-old man from Lapaha died after he allegedly driving a rental car at high speed crashing into a tree at the Taufa’ahau Road in Vaini on July 31 at around 11.30pm. He sustained major injuries and died in Vaiola hospital on Saturday , August 2. Four passengers in the car received minor injuries after the car “swerved” and “crashed” into the tree, police say.
Fourteen kilometres north of the scene, the 22-year-old victim was heading east along Salote Road early Saturday morning 2 August when he crashed his vehicle into a power pole at around 12.20am leaving his five passengers with minor injuries. He died at the scene.
Investigation continues according to Tonga's Police Commissioner, Grant O'Fee.
