19th October, 2017 Police can now release the names of the three people who died following a fatal crash in Neiafu, Vava’u on Saturday 14 October 2017.
They are:
- 24 year- old Ulaea To’i Moana FOLAU of Leimatu’a
- 20 year-old ‘Anitelu KATOA of Leimatu’a
- 17 year-old Kasete LATU of Hunga/Makave
The driver, a 26 year-old man survived with eight (8) other passengers from Leimatu’a aged between 19 to 26 years-old sustain injuries to their bodies.
The group was travelling on a double-cap van on their way back to Neiafu from Ī ‘o Mata’aho, a historical side where they were drinking alcohol when the driver lost control of the vehicle at an area where the road is very steep.
This latest fatal death brings the total number of deaths on the road this year to 4, compared to 18 last year.
“While the full circumstances of the crash are yet to be determined, alcohol and
speed are being considered in this case. I can say that all too often Police are
attending serious crashes that are avoidable,” said Commissioner Caldwell.
“So many families have been dealing with the grief of losing their loved ones on our roads, and that’s incredibly sad.
We extend our sympathy to the families of those involved and our thoughts are with their loved ones at this tragic time.
Crashes like this are preventable and we all need to do our part to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads.”
Investigation in to the crash continues.
ENDS
Issued by the: Tonga Police Media & Communication Officer, Tonga Police Headquarters, Longolongo, (676) 23 318, (676) 23 323 Fax: (676) 23 036; for media enquiries – Email: siaadams@police.gov.to or siaadams@gmail.com