9 Nov 2009

Samoan Minister has surgery following car crash

1:34 pm on 9 November 2009

Samoa's Minister of Education, To'omata Alapati Po'ese, has had surgery to his left leg after suffering severe injuries in a car crash on Savaii island.

He was admitted to the High Dependency Unit at Tuasivi Hospital yesterday after breaking a leg.

Our correspondent Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia says the police are yet to release details of the cause of the accident but says nurses have indicated speed was a factor.

"I spoke to some sources at the Tuasivi Hospital. The explanation that was given was that the Minister of Education was driving a rental car yesterday afternoon and he was rushing to get to the last ferry from Savaii island for Upolu island and that's when he lost control of the car and then he went off the road."

Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia says the minister is in a stable condition.