Three people who were sitting in the open back of a van, died following a fatal accident in the early hours of last Saturday morning, 14 October, in Neiafu, Vava’u.

Tonga Police have released the names of the deceased: Ulaea To’i Moana Folau (24), Anitelu Katoa (20), both from Leimatu’a, and Kasete Latu (17) from Hunga/Makave.

The driver, a 26-year-old man, along with eight other passengers from Leimatu’a, aged between 19 to 26 years old, survived the crash sustaining injuries.

The group was travelling in a double-cab van, with the three deceased sitting in the open back of the vehicle, from I ‘o Mata’aho, a historical site where they were drinking, back to Neiafu, when the driver lost control in an area where the road is very steep.

“While the full circumstances of the crash are yet to be determined, alcohol and speed are being considered in this case. I can say that all too often Police are attending serious crashes that are avoidable,” said Commissioner Caldwell.


“So many families have been dealing with the grief of losing their loved ones on our roads, 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.” 


According to Tonga Police, this latest fatal death brings the total number of deaths on the road this year to four, compared to 18 last year.