Alcohol and speeding is a dangerous mix.

That’s what a taxi driver learnt the hard way on Sunday when his vehicle flipped and crashed in front of the Methodist Church at Toamua on Sunday evening.

The vehicle was one of two taxi vehicles involved in a race towards Apia on the Puipa’a stretch when disaster struck.

A chief at Puipa’a, Ma’ilata told the Samoa Observer, the two cars were speeding. 

 “The taxi that crashed was trying to take over the other taxi,” he said. “Because it was fast, the driver lost control of the vehicle and it hit the rocks on the side of the road.”

The other vehicle did not stop. It just sped off.

“I think the driver was trying his best to stop the car but it was too late,” said Mailata. “There is not much you can do with that kind of speed.”

The Police arrived immediately.

“They found plastic bottles filled with beer and alcohol drinks inside the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle were very drunk.”

The passengers were admitted to the hospital.

Attempts to get a comment from Police and Health were unsuccessful yesterday.