Church vehicle crashes into traffic lights

SAMOA – Speeding and alcohol have been blamed for an accident where a vehicle that belongs to a church smashed into a traffic light pole.

To make matters even more embarrassing, the incident occurred on Sunday morning.

The driver of another vehicle, which had been overtaken by the speeding church van moments before it crashed, said he was grateful no one was killed.

Tauvale Lutia of Vailele said the vehicle was going way too fast.

“It was around four to five o’clock in the morning when me and my wife were on our way back home from the airport,” he said.

“The van was going full speed and it nearly crashed into our car at Lepea when he overtook us. We stopped for our safety because the van was on the wrong lane as well.”

“But when we drove near the traffic light a few minutes later, we saw that the van had crashed.”

Tauvale said when he found out that the van belonged to the church, he became very sad.

“It’s so sad to see how these people abuse the sweat of many of those who contribute for the development of the church. We all know how expensive these vehicles are.”

“The van belonged to the EFKS (Congregational Christian) church and the driver was very drunk,” he said.

“I’m not sure if the church allows anyone to use these vehicles at anytime.”

“To those who have worked at the church, we have to take care of everything, whatever calling you’re working now, whether in churches, government, businesses – we have to be honest.”

“The driver hopped out of the car trying to run away, but he couldn’t because he was too drunk.”

Police Commissioner Su’a Tiumalu has confirmed the accident.

A source told the Samoa Observer that the van has been written off.

- Samoa Observer