A tragic road accident occurred in Lautoka on Saturday night, leading to the death of a man in his 60s while he was delivering food rations to families in need. Witness Mohammed Tamiq Khan reported that the vehicle, a rental, lost control and veered into a creek at Paipai bridge around 8 PM.
The deceased was accompanied by a passenger, a man in his 70s, who survived the crash and was rushed alongside the driver to Lautoka Hospital, where the driver was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Mr. Khan described the neighbors’ efforts to pull the men from the submerged vehicle, noting that their luggage and groceries were left inside.
Police confirmed that the driver lost control of the vehicle on Paipai Road, resulting in the fatal accident. A post-mortem examination is planned to determine the cause of death as investigations continue.
This incident contributes to a national road death toll that currently stands at nine fatalities this year, a notable decrease from 17 during the same time frame last year. While this accident brings grief, the overall reduction in road fatalities suggests that ongoing safety measures and community efforts are having a positive impact on road safety awareness.
As the community processes this loss, it serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of adhering to safety protocols on the road. The hope remains that with continued vigilance, such tragic events can be minimized in the future.
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