An accident at 'Eua was not “a reckless hit and run” because the driver had stopped and assisted in conveying the injured teen to hospital, said Tonga Police, who have corrected their initial statement, following the accident.

“Further investigation by Police at ‘Eua confirms that the road accident at ‘Ohonua on Thursday, 22 December 2022 where a 15-year-old male was injured was not a ‘hit-and-run’ as initially reported.

“Police later confirmed that the 71-year-old driver did stop and assisted in conveying the injured teen to the hospital, Police stated.

“What the driver failed to do was to report the accident to Police. Section 47(3) of the Traffic Act obligates a driver that caused an accident that involves injury to report the accident in person at the nearest police station or to a Police Officer no later than one hour after the time of the accident unless the driver is incapable of doing so due to him sustaining injuries in the accident.

The 71-year-old driver, who was not injured in the accident, has been charged with Reckless Driving and for failure to report the accident to Police within one hour of the accident.

“Tonga Police would like to remind drivers of their obligations where accidents occur. At the same time, we encourage members of the public to focus more on the prevention side by being careful and responsible while on the roads and maintaining safety for yourself and others,” they said.