Pregnant mother fatally struck by bus

Police are investigating the death of a pregnant woman after she was hit by a bus on Friday night, Deputy Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed on Saturday.

The mother was waiting for her ride after a bingo game in Faleasi’u on Friday night when she was struck by a bus at about 11 pm.

“I can confirm that we are currently investigating that case that happened in Faleasi’u,” he said in an interview with the Samoa Observer.

“It was around 11 pm last night.”

Eyewitnesses at Faleasi’u said they believed that the deceased woman is from Nofoalii.

“The woman was waiting for her car after the bingo finished,” told the Samoa Observer on Saturday. They did not wish to be identified.

“It was when she crossed the road to get to her car that was parked in front of the store on the other side that she was struck by the bus whilst it was reversing.”

According to an eyewitness, the woman appeared to be in the final trimester of pregnancy.

Auapaau said the incident comes at a very sensitive time as it was only the start of the long weekend dedicated to mothers of Samoa but it should serve as a reminder to the public.

“This is a very unfortunate event but we are especially saddened that this unfortunate incident happened on the Mother’s Day weekend. Tomorrow is Mother’s day,” he said.

“Her utmost safety should have been considered especially when roaming so late at night.

“According to the information passed to us, the incident happened after she was at bingo and while she was waiting for the bus.”

It is the third known death from a vehicular incident within three weeks.

Two weeks ago, an 18-year-old university student was killed in a hit-and-run incident at Vaitele.

So far, there has been no progress on the case, no one has stepped forward to claim responsibility for the fatal incident.

Last week the Ministry of Police, Prisons and Correction Services took to social media to request more information from the public as well as urge the driver of the vehicle alleged to be involved in the hit-and-run accident to step forward.

Last Sunday, a 14-year-old boy was a victim of a fatal hit-and-run accident at Vaiusu. A 50-year-old male was taken into Police custody following an investigation.