12 February 2022 Apia Samoa. A newborn baby boy delivered at home, was pronounced dead on arrival at Poutasi District Hospital earlier this week.
The newborn’s family reported the incident to police on the same day, stating their vehicle had been in a near-accident on the way to take the baby and his mom to Poutasi hospital from their home at Lotofagā, Safata.
Responding to questions from Samoa Global News, Deputy Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said according to the family, the baby suffered injuries when their car was forced off the road to avoid a collision.
They reported the driver of an oncoming vehicle, who had allegedly made a dangerous overtake, forcing the family’s car to swerve off the road, said DC Auapaau.
“They are blaming the driver of an oncoming vehicle,” said Auapaau. “According to the family, a car overtaking another vehicle was heading straight towards them..
“Their vehicle was then forced off the road, and that allegedly caused injury to the baby resulting in his death,” said the Deputy Police Commissioner.
The driver of the family’s vehicle told police he had to abruptly swerve the car to the side of the road to avoid a head-on collision.
“Sa faafuasei ona tā i tua le taavale..”
Auapaau said police are investigating the incident. Poutasi District Hospital staff confirm the baby boy presented dead on arrival.
Compulsory car seats for babies and children have not yet been considered under traffic laws of Samoa.
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