A driver has been charged with reckless driving causing death after allegedly hitting and killing a pedestrian on Saturday night in Ha’ateiho.
A 49-year-old man from Vainī and Kolofo’ou was arrested after a 21 year-old man from Ha’ateiho died from the incident on 23 September at around 11:40pm.
The victim was rushed to Vaiola hospital by members of the Ha’ateiho Community Patrol Volunteers.
He died yesterday 24 September 2017 at approximately 10am.
The accused was driving a rental car heading west on Taufaʻāhau Road when he allegedly hit the deceased who was walking beside the road at Ha’ateiho.
The suspect failed to stop at the scene. He finally stopped at Tofoa about 5 kilometres from the scene and contacted Police about the incident.
This latest fatal death brings the total number of deaths on the road this year to 2, compared to 18 road deaths in 2016.
The death brings Tonga’s road toll for 2017 to 2 while 18 people died in road crashes from January to September 2016.
“Accident like this is preventable and we all need to do our part to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads,” said Acting Chief Superintendent Sisi Toutai Tonga.
“Tonga Police would like to send their condolences to the family of the deceased. The accused is under police custody while Investigation continues.”
