A 51-year-old woman, who was a front passenger in a car that crashed into an electric pole at Kolonga on eastern Tongatapu, died at Vaiola Hospital on Sunday, 18 December.

This is the 14^th road fatality on the road so far for the year. 

At around 8:00am on Saturday, 17 December, Tonga Police received reports from Kolonga of a road accident involving four women from the neighbouring village of Afa.

“The 41-year-old driver and the 51-year-old front passenger were rushed to the hospital in critical conditions. Sadly the passenger passed away the day after on Sunday from severe injuries sustained.

“The driver remains in critical condition at the hospital.”

Police said today that the four women were on their way home in one vehicle from Nuku’alofa to Afa on Halatahi Road, when the driver fell asleep on the wheel causing the vehicle to swerve and hit an electric pole on the side of the road.

Road safety

"With the holiday season involving celebrations and festivities, Tonga Police once again urges members of the public and road users to please take their responsibility when on public roads seriously. 

“Be responsible for your safety and the safety of your passengers and be respectful and thoughtful towards other road users.”

Tonga Police will einforce its road safety services throughout the holiday season, including deploying alcohol breath testing teams to strategic locations to assist with removing intoxicated drivers from roads and charging them for violation of traffic laws.

“Let’s work together to maintain safety and prevent further deaths on our roads," stated Tonga Police.