Girl charged over child’s road death [1]
Monday, September 16, 2013 - 18:06
An 18-year-old girl has been charged with three counts including manslaughter over the road death of a 4-year-old boy on Friday night, September 13 at Ha’ateiho in Tongatapu.
The Deputy Police Commissioner Soakai Motu’apuaka said the accused while driving from Nuku’alofa on Taufa’ahau Road at around 9:30pm had allegedly hit the child who had unexpectedly crossed the road in Ha'ateiho.
He said the accused from Veitongo was charged with manslaughter by negligence, careless driving and driving without a licence. She has been released on bail awaiting a court date.
The young victim who suffered serious injuries was rushed to Vaiola Hospital but died on Saturday, September 14.
“At this stage there is no element to suggest she was driving under the influence of alcohol or was speeding,” said DPC Motu’apuaka.
This is the third road death in Tonga this year compared to eight in 2012.