An off-duty police officer, ‘Ifalemi Mala’efo’ou (31) died in a car crash at about 12:40am this morning, on Vuna Road, in Nuku'alofa.
Deputy Police Commissioner, Tevita Vailea told Matangi Tonga today the police driver drove a personal vehicle, heading in a westerly direction on Vuna Road near the Tanoa Hotel, when the accident happened.
A Tonga Police investigation alleged that speed and alcohol were factors in the car crash, causing the death of the driver.
The incident occured when the driver tried to overtake another vehicle in front of him, causing his vehicle to spin out of control and crash into two vehicles parked on the roadside in front of the Tanoa Hotel.
DPC Vailea said the driver suffered serious injuries and died a few hours later, after being rushed to Vaiola Hospital.
The victim, ‘Ifalemi Mala’efo’ou lived in Sia’atoutai, and was married with three children.
Th vehicle was badly damaged.
"Our investigation into this incident is ongoing," DPC Vailea said.
