Shock, sadness and anger are how relatives, friends and colleagues of the two firemen killed on the job yesterday have reacted.
Captains Allen Talofa Velega and Mike Tipotii were returning from an early morning fire in Afono yesterday when the fire truck operated by Captain Allen crashed into the mountain side as it was coming down the hill after the Afono pass, approaching Aua village.
Captain Velega was described as one of the most experienced fire truck operators in the Fire Division of Public Safety. He was killed at the scene while Captain Tipoti died at the hospital later.
Two other firemen suffered injuries and were admitted to the LBJ Hospital. They are reported to be in stable condition.
The cause of the accident is under investigation, but according to DPS personnel it’s suspected that the driver was trying to stop the truck and had to veer into the mountain side to bring it to a halt.
Former firemen have told KHJ News that the fire trucks are old and while a new fire station has been built , the equipment has been falling apart without any replacements.
One former fighter told KHJ News DPS receives grants for fire station equipment but they don’t see evidence of the funds being used for the intended purposes.
