A driver was allegedly drunk before crashing his vehicle into a tree killing a two-year-old baby and injuring others.
The fatality happened on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at around 6.45 pm at Navutoka.
It said the driver drove recklessly and crashed onto a toa tree on the side of the Halatahi road.
“The driver, a 66-year-old male was heading in the northern direction on the Halatahi Road in Navutoka with 3 passengers, a 69-year-old male from Kolofo’ou and his two young daughters, aged five and two”, Police said.
It said the driver “who was intoxicated at the time lost control of the wheel, which caused the car to swerve to the right side of the road where it crashed onto the ‘toa’ tree causing injuries to him and his passengers”.
The victims were rushed to the hospital and at around 10 pm, Vaiola hospital confirmed the passing of the two-year-old girl.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing while the others, including the driver remain at the hospital.
“This is the first road casualty for Tongatapu so far this year, and it is the second for the Kingdom with the first road fatal victim was from Vava’u early in the year.
“Tonga Police continues to urge drivers to take their responsibility while driving seriously and in particular, to be mindful while behind the wheels especially when your passengers’ lives depend on you. “Be cautious for your safety and the safety of others to avoid causing unnecessary harm.
“Contact Police at 740-1630, 740-1632 or 922 to report crime”.
