The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is emphasizing the need for increased road vigilance following a tragic accident in Labasa that resulted in the death of Police Constable Dharmesh Krishna. In a recent statement, the LTA expressed its condolences to the family of the fallen officer and acknowledged the public’s concerns regarding the incident. However, the Authority clarified that some claims circulating on social media about the checkpoint involved are inaccurate.
According to the LTA, the checkpoint on Naseakula Road was correctly established, featuring caution cones, warning batons, clear road markings, and functioning streetlights. Technical inspections confirmed that the truck implicated in the crash had no mechanical issues. Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver apparently failed to stop when directed, despite the adverse wet weather conditions and the truck being fully loaded with sugarcane, which indicates clear negligence on the part of the driver.
The LTA further highlighted the urgency of continued joint operations between the Police and LTA, especially as road fatalities are on the rise, with 72 reported so far this year, compared to 56 at this time last year. The Authority stressed that it is both “unfortunate and misleading” to shift blame onto officers who were simply doing their jobs to ensure public safety.
This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of road safety and adherence to traffic regulations. As communities navigate through these challenging times, collective efforts towards enhancing road awareness and compliance are vital in preventing further tragedies.
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