There was a happy start to 2020 in Tonga with no deaths reported on New Year’s Day from road accidents or violent acts confirmed Tonga Police today, 2 January.

Acting Chief Superintendent Tevita Vailea said Tonga Police were mainly busy with alcohol related incidents.

The annual police operation for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays is still ongoing aimed at preventing crimes and ensuring public safety. The operation started on 23 December 2019 and will end on 6 January 2020.

Road fatality

However, last weekend, there two major incidents, that both occurred on Saturday, 28 December.

One resulted in the death of a prominent Nuku’alofa businessman, Tausinga Taumoefolau [2], after a hit and run incident on Vuna Road, Fasi.

Tausinga died instantly when a speeding mini-van hit his stationary car from behind and sped away.  A 31-year-old male from Pahu, who was allegedly heavily intoxicated while driving the mini-van, was arrested that same night.

Tonga Police also confirmed another accident occurred at Houmakelikau involving an allegedly intoxicated 51-year-old man who drove his vehicle into another car. The intoxicated man, from Fangaloto, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

He has been charged with allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, and reckless driving.