Two fatalities in serious road crash at Nualei [1]
Wednesday, September 21, 2022 - 23:30
Two people have died from a fatal road crash early this morning, 21 September, on Taufa'ahau Road at Nualei. Three other passengers, who sustained serious injuries, remain in the Intensive Care at Vaiola Hospital.
Police responded to this road fatality at around 1:30am.
Deputy Commissioner [Operations Command] Tevita Vailea said that the five people were heading west in the vehicle, at high speed, where the driver lost control and the vehicle swerved and crashed head-on to an electric pole, on the opposite side of the road.
He said this resulted in the death of the male driver and a female front passenger. Their ages have not been released.
The other three passengers sustained serious injuries and are currently at the Intensive Care Unit at Vaiola hospital.
"It is suspected that driving under the influence in addition to high speed contributed to the incident," he said.
Deputy Commissioner Vailea urged the public to value their lives and make responsible decisions especially when alcohol is involved.
“It is another sad day for us and the families of the two people that died today becausethe incident could have been avoided. There is only one life, and we must value it. Let us work together in complying with our laws and current curfew and be always responsible for safety on our roads."
This brings the road toll to 10 this year.
Power off
After serious crash, Tonga Power Ltd. advised electricity consumers in Vaini, Vaini solar farm, Faama, Makeke, Nualei and Tapuhia that their power would be switched off for three-hours, during repair to the distribution lines. This included replacing the pole and cables damaged.