Tongan Prince Tu'ipelehake, 56, and Princess Kaimana, 46, along with their driver, Vinisia Hefa, 36, were the victims of a tragic car accident in California, local authorities announced yesterday, the BBC informs.

The preliminary results of the police investigation display the fact that the accident occurred when a teenager crashed her car into the vehicle that was transporting the two in the San Francisco Bay Area. The accident happened on Wednesday, around 50 kilometers south of San Francisco.

The Prince and Princess were on a visit of the Tonga member community located in that region, in order to develop new approaches of political reforms in the Pacific archipelago.

According to police officials, Edith Delgado, aged 18, was speeding on the highway, when she met the SUV used by the royal couple and attempted to overtake it. Unfortunately, she could not make desired maneuver and her car crashed into that of the couple's, causing it to swerve a few lanes until it stopped on its roof. Delgado was not injured and she has been detained by the police for charges of "manslaughter and engagement in a speed contest".

The Prince, the leading Tonga monarchical member in terms of reforms, was the nephew of 88 year old King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, whose monarchy is the last in the Pacific, where politicians are nominated by the old principle of appointment and not election.

Tonga represents a 170-island archipelago, situated between Australia and Tahiti and its population does not exceed 108,000 people. Its economy depends on pumpkin and vanilla exports, fishing and international aid.