A 19-year-old male passenger died early Saturday morning, 26 September, after the vehicle he was travelling in crashed on Vuna Road in Nuku’alofa.

Chief Superintendent Tevita Fifita said today the driver, a 21-year-old man from Ma'ufanga who remained in custody, is charged with reckless driving causing death, driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving causing grievous bodily harm.

The crash is alleged to have taken place between 2:00-3:00am when the vehicle collided with a fence beside Mahinafekite residence on Vuna Road.

Fifita said after the crash the accused driver and a female front seat passenger had fled the scene. When the police arrived they found four male passengers were seriously injured. The victim was reported to have passed away at the crash scene.

At Vaiola Hospital, the victim was confirmed dead, while the other three passengers were admitted for treatment.

The driver, who had head injuries, was arrested by police at the hosptial that same morning when he went in to get treatment, said Fifita.

One of passengers had been released from hospital, while two remained with serious injuries. “We expect to lay more charges as our investigation continues,” he said.

The accused is expected to appear at the Nuku’alofa Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 1 October.