Head-on crash claims two lives, raises road toll to 18 [1]
Thursday, December 29, 2016 - 19:16
A head-on collision at Veitongo early this morning has claimed the lives of two men, a 30-year-old man from Halaleva and a 28-year-old man from Ha'akame.
They were the driver and front seat passenger in a car that collided with an oncoming minibus in the early hours of this morning.
Tonga Police stated that accident occurred on Taufa'ahau Road in Veitongo at 4:20am. It is alleged that the car was overtaking another car, and crashed head-on with a minibus travelling in the opposite lane.
Acting Chief Supt. Tevita Vailea said the overtaking car was driven by the Halaleva man, with three other passengers (one in the front seat and two at the back).
"The driver of the car with his front seat passenger died at the scene, with the two other passengers receiving injuries. One is in a critical condition...and the other is in a stable condition."
The names of the victims, who both died at the scene, have not been released.
An investigation into the crash is continuing.
18 road deaths
This latest road accident brings the total number of road deaths for the year to 18, ten more deaths compared to 2015 when there were eight road deaths in Tonga.
Tonga Police are urging drivers to be more cautious.
AC Supt. Vailea believes that many of the fatalities were preventable.
“While the full circumstances of the crash are yet to be determined, I can say that all too often Police are attending serious crashes that are avoidable.
“So many families have been dealing with the grief of losing a loved one on our roads this year, and that’s incredibly sad.
"We extend our sympathy to the families of those involved and our thoughts are with their loved ones at this tragic time."
"Crashes like this are preventable and we all need to do our part to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads.”