Fourteen Lives Lost in Road Fatalities So Far This Year

Two of whom, a 41-year-old driver and a 51-year-old front passenger were rushed to the hospital in critical condition where the 51- year-old passenger later passed away.

Police inquiries confirm that the four female persons were on their way home in one vehicle from the capital, Nuku’alofa to Afa via Halatahi Road when the driver fell asleep on the wheels causing the vehicle to swerve and hit an electric pole on the side of the road.

Police later received reports from Vaiola Hospital that the 51-year-old passenger sadly passed away on Sunday, 18 December 2022 from severe injuries sustained from the crash while the driver remains in critical condition.

While police investigation of this incident continues, it can be confirmed that this recent road death tallies the total of road fatalities at fourteen for the year so far.

With this spike in road deaths and 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 intentionally reinforce its road safety services throughout the holiday season including deploying alcohol breath testing teams to strategic locations to assist with removing intoxicated drivers from our roads and charging them for violation of Traffic laws.

Do the smart thing and call for pick up, take a taxi, or arrange for a sober driver if you are out drinking. “Let’s work together to maintain safety and prevent further deaths on our roads.”