Faulty brakes in the Minister of Works’ vehicle are being blamed for a minor collision with the Minister of Commerce’s vehicle in Vaimea on Thursday afternoon.

According to Minister Papalii Niko Lee Hang’s driver, Sefo Tafuna’i, the two were quickly making their way to the opening of the Government’s new water project in Aleisa.

They were following closely behind Minister Lautafi Fio Purcell’s vehicle after attending an earlier stage of the project opening in Lotofaga, Aleipata.

Despite the seemingly new condition of the MWTI14 vehicle, Mr. Tafuna’i said the brakes did not work as he tried slowing down when Lautafi’s vehicle signaled to move to an outer lane.

This resulted in the grey pickup truck carrying Papalii to hit the right rear end of Lautafi’s white vehicle.

Papalii’s vehicle front bumper was almost completely detached and its right rear side scratched after it collided with another parked vehicle.

Meanwhile Lautafi’s vehicle escaped with minor scratches to the rear bumper.

The Ministers concerned had already left the scene when the Samoa Observer arrived at the crash site.

Mr. Tafuna’i said they had been put into other officials' vehicles who are also attending the same project opening.

The Police arrived within 15 minutes of the crash site in front of Lober Industries Ltd.