A 10-year-old boy was killed on Monday, 20 June on Taufa'ahau Road at Pea, when he was hit by a car, whose driver is alleged to have fallen asleep.

Chief Superintendent Tevita Fifita said today a 72-year-old man from Touliki has been charged with reckless driving causing death. He has been released on bail to appear at the Nuku’alofa Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 27 June.

The accused, who was driving to Nuku'alofa, told police that he had fallen asleep. His car swerved onto the right side of the road, where the young victim was allegedly standing on the side of the road, said Superintendent Fifita.