Tonga Police have released names of three men who died in a crash on Talasiu Road when their rental car hit a coconut tree early Monday morning, 18 July.

The driver was Tangiloto ‘Aholelei (25) and passengers Peniloea Musie (44) and Sonatane Latu (14).

A fourth man who survived is Siakumi Kanongata’a (21), who remains in a serious condition at Vaiola Hospital.

Police alleged that alcohol and speeding were contributing factors to the crash.

The victims are reported to be related to each other from Kolonga were at a gathering earlier in the day before going on the drive The car swerved across the road and crashed into the tree after midnight.

It was the second crasg this month with multiple fatalities. On 2 July, three people died when their vehicle crashed and hit a treet at 'Ahau.

Road deaths have risen in Tonga in comparison to last year. Police recorded 12 deaths so far this year as compared to a total of eight for the whole of 2015.