A man in his late 60’s is fighting for his life at the Moto’otua Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit after he was allegedly ran over by a truck on Sunday morning. 

This was confirmed by Police Superintendent, Sala’a Sale Sala’a, in response to questions posed by the Samoa Observer. 

According to Sala’a, the driver was on his way home from work when the incident occurred in Apolima. 

“The man was on his way home after church when the driver allegedly fell asleep and ran over the victim,” said Sala’a. 

“He was taken to the hospital immediately and the injuries sustained were severe.” 

According to a family member, the victim underwent two operations because of the severity of the injuries. 

Sala’a confirmed the driver has been charged and is scheduled to appear in Court for criminal mention later this month.

Alcohol was not involved.

“It’s clear then the driver was tired and this is the end result is that someone has been injured and the sad part is that this could have been avoided. 

“Drowsy driving while it doesn’t sound too serious is like a sleeping giant who wakes up to find an intruder, drowsy driving can be deadly. 

“In fact, it can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. 

“The result in terms of damage, injury, and death can be just as permanent. 

“The risk is obvious when someone falls asleep at the wheel. 

“But the danger begins long before that,” Sala’a said. 

“This could’ve been avoided, and that is why it is relatively important, for the public to be reminded that they can pull over and take a nap. 

“This is Samoa and you can easily go and ask a family that you will park in front of their house to take a power nap. 

“Drivers who are tired and sleepy have delayed reactions and make bad decisions. Not only are they putting themselves in danger, but they are a risk to everyone else on the road.”