Fiji has recorded 38 road fatalities this year, a decrease from the 62 deaths reported during the same period last year, following a recent incident.
Setoki Niqara, a 27-year-old from Nailuva Village in Ra, lost his life in a crash on Tuesday morning along the Kings Highway, between Nalawa and Rakiraki Town.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana, Niqara was one of three passengers in a vehicle driven by a 28-year-old man. It is alleged that the driver failed to negotiate a curve while traveling from Rakiraki to Nalawa, resulting in the vehicle veering off the road and crashing into a roadside market.
All occupants were transported to Rakiraki Hospital, where Niqara was pronounced dead. SSP Divuana reported that the driver and one passenger were treated and released, while the second passenger was transferred to Lautoka Hospital.
Niqara was the youngest of five siblings and lived with his family in Rakiraki Town. His sister, Kelera Ragidrau, described him as a humble and kind individual. “It hurts us so much to hear about his death, especially for our parents. He was very obedient, and I miss my brother dearly,” she said.
SSP Divuana stated that investigations into the incident are ongoing.