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A.S. Governor apologizes to family of deceased firemen

A closeup of the fire truck taken at the scene of the accident on the Afono road where it crashed last Thursday morning, April 30
Source: RNZ Pacific

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Governor has apologized to the families of two firemen who were killed in the line of duty last week.

Yesterday's meeting of the Coronavirus Taskforce started with a moment's silence week for Captains Allen Talofa Velega and Mike Tipoti.

Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga expressed condolences to their families and apologised for the loss of their loves ones, asking for forgiveness in any failings by the government.

Lolo said the investigation into the accident was being left to the Commissioner of Public Safety. He said the government would await funeral arrangements to honour their service.

The two men died when their truck crashed while returning from a fire.

Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga Tasi Asuega also added a message of condolence during the meeting.

Meanwhile one of the two survivors of the accident was being medivaced to Hawai'i.

The Director of the Medicaid Office, Sandra King Young, said New Zealand had agreed to have their air ambulance airlift the injured fireman to Honolulu.