Department of Public Safety traffic officers arrested a bus driver who operated a bus, which is alleged to have struck a man in his 70’s, who died following the incident in Nu’uuli early Saturday morning.

Commander of the Traffic Division, Captain Ta’aloloioufaiva John Cendrowski confirmed with Samoa News the bus driver has been placed under police custody for safety reasons, following the tragedy in Nu’uuli.

The victim has been identified by police as 72-year old Tufue Malele Forsythe, a retired police Commander with DPS.  

According to witnesses, the victim was on the crosswalk in front of the bus stop across from CBT, when, an aiga bus which was speeding allegedly struck the victim.

Witnesses said the victim was in the air and landed on his face after he being hit. The bus driver then pulled his bus over and walked over to the victim. Police said bystanders and friends of the victim who were with the victim contacted Emergency Medical Services for assistance and the victim was then transported to the hospital.

One witness said he confronted the bus driver as to why he was speeding, and the bus driver is alleged to have said he fell asleep at the wheel. The witness said they had just returned from their weekend morning walk, and they had stopped over to Milovale's as they did every Saturday.

The initial service for Forsythe held at the LBJ Chapel was attended by family, friends, bystanders at the scene and police officers.

The defendant, a man in his 30’s, will appear in District Court today, where he will be charged with homicide by vehicle and several traffic citations.

Cendrowski told Samoa News this is the first time in three years a fatality has occurred in American Samoa, which is unwelcome news given that the plea from the Department of Public Safety is to pull over and take a power nap if you are tired.

They have also emphasized the importance of refraining from drinking and driving, because fatalities do happen.        

“It’s sad that a life has been taken, however it could have been prevented," said Captain Cendrowski. "If we take precautionary actions like pulling over for a power nap if tired, getting another driver to drive… this way you — the driver — are safe, and members of the public are safe.”

Captain Cendrowski quoted a Samoan proverb, “e sili le puipuia nai lo’o le togafitia” — better to be safe than sorry.

The aiga bus involved in the accident has been impounded by DPS and is being held at the Police Impound area at the Tafuna Correctional Facility.