Car smashes into store, family survives

A driver has been left injured after crashing into the Yong Xing store at Puipa'a during the early hours of Monday

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Tuilagi Vaomalo Ulukini, the landlord for the store being rented by Chinese tenants said he believed alcohol was involved in the incident after discussions with Police Officers who responded.

The injured driver, who was behind the wheel of a small, grey car, was taken to the Tupua Tamasese Meaole (T.T.M) hospital in Motootua.

The vehicle was a near write off after crashing into the left front corner of the store, six iron poles outside the premises and the store’s front door. 

"Apart from the driver, a couple and their child were passengers of the vehicle," Tuilagi said.

"I wasn't here but I was told by my son that the driver was severely injured and the other passengers had minor injuries. I just thank God everyone survived."

When the Samoa Observer arrived on the scene, the driver’s relatives were already renovating the damaged areas of the shop, Tuilagi said. 

"I've told them that they cannot tow the car until they fix the store so here they are,” he said.

"If I give an estimated cost to the damage, it would be around $20,000 but we're all Samoans and we're all not very rich people so I'm trying to give this a thought for the poor family.

"Plus as you can see, they're repairing the damaged parts of the store with expensive lumber so I've explained to the Chinese renting the store to see what's more fair for everyone."

According to Tuilagi, the Chinese asked to let them fix the damage and give the family a total cost.

But Tuilagi said he desired a solution that was fair and affordable for both sides. 

"What's important is that no one was hurt and the shop is being fixed early so everything will go smooth," he said.

Attempts to obtain a comment from the Samoa Police Service (S.P.S) were unsuccessful.