Two Injured in Head-On Collision of Two Mopeds, One Arrested

Pago Pago - AMERICAN SAMOA

On March 31, 2025, the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) to report of an accident which involved two mopeds. 

One of the two individuals involved in the accident was later charged with:

Count 1: Careless Driving with Injuries, a class B misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed six months, a fine of $500.00, or both; and,

Count 2: Non-Possession of a Driver’s License, a class B misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed six months, a fine of $500.00, or both.

There was no bail set for the defendant.

According to the court affidavit, on Mar. 31st, around 4:45 p.m., TPS received a call from FPS reporting a moped accident involving two mopeds in the village of Iliili near a retail store.  It was reported that both moped operators were injured. 

Police officers were dispatched to the scene of the accident.

Upon arrival at the scene, police observed two mopeds lying flat on the road, and a group of people standing near the two individuals sitting on the sidewalk — one male, the other a female. By that time, EMS had already been contacted that the two individuals needed medical attention. 

The two individuals were identified as Ionatana Samu (male) and Tagi Tausiga (female).

Upon arrival of the EMS, both individuals were put into separate EMS units and transported to the LBJ Hospital to be treated for their injuries. 

Samu sustained a bruised/ bloody nose and large lump on his upper lip, and a swollen left eye. He also complained of a head injury due to the accident and minor bumps and scratches on his legs and hands. 

Tausiga sustained a swollen nose, a small laceration in the middle of her forehead and a laceration behind her left arm near her armpit. She also complained of neck and back pain.

Samu verbally stated that Tusiga was speeding coming down from the main road,  and claimed that she was in his lane while he was heading towards the main road. He said he tried to swerve out of his lane to avoid a head-on collision with Tausiga but was too late to maneuver away. 

Tausiga was also interviewed and she verbally stated that she was coming down and did not see Samu. She tried to wave at him to move but it was too late. She claimed that she tried to apply her brakes but was too late and they collided head on, causing major damage to both mopeds as well as bodily injuries to both of them.

Tausiga was issued a traffic citation for Careless Driving and Non-Possession of a Driver’s Liscence.

The defendant is identified as a 21-year-old female.