A 37-year-old father in ‘Ohonua, ‘Eua has been charged with manslaughter in relation to the death of his 10-year-old son after he crashed into a tree in an accident alleged to have been caused by faulty brakes, on September 5.

The Deputy Police Commissioner Soakai Motu’apuaka said the accused was driving the one tonne open truck and his son was in the back.

It is alleged that as he drove down the road heading to the wharf the brakes failed, and in order to avoid running into the sea he changed gears and tried to turn the van, but crashed into a tree killing the boy, he said.

It is understood the father was released on bail waiting a court date in the outer island.