The driver of a truck allegedly involved in a hit-and-run crash which killed a seven-year-old boy from Falelatai has been identified by the Police who say investigations are ongoing. 

The Police Deputy Commissioner, Papalii Monalisa Tiai-Keti, confirmed that the alleged driver of the incident had been found and released after questioning.

“He has been released pending our request for [the Attorney General] to review the investigation file,” she said. 

On 24 July, the seven-year-old from Falelatai was run over while walking home from a store. 

Bystanders said that the driver of the truck failed to stop and offer assistance or wait for the Police to arrive.

The child died at the scene and was taken to the hospital after the Police arrived, according to his mother, Meaalii Misa Faatauili.

Though the driver fled the scene, the boy’s mother said his family already knew the identity of the driver and was hoping he would turn himself in and apologise. 

"We heard from witnesses later on that [the vehicle alleged to have been involved] was a truck that was transporting [...] goods [from around Falelatai] and [allegedly] he got scared and ran away without even helping our poor son, or at least letting us know," she alleged through tears.

"Witnesses said he told them that he heard that the truck was hitting something and only realised it was a boy when it was too late.

"It was very unexpected and my daughter was just standing there shocked by what she saw, thinking it was someone else.”

The distraught mother earlier told the Samoa Observer that her son, Amani Misa Talaso'o, was found outside their family home and her husband ran outside seeking help, before finally realising that it was his own son who had been struck.