Fiji has recorded 38 road deaths so far this year, a significant decrease from 62 fatalities during the same period last year, following a recent accident that claimed a life.
Setoki Niqara, a 27-year-old from Nailuva Village in Ra, died in a crash on Tuesday morning along the Kings Highway between Nalawa, Ra, and Rakiraki Town.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana, Niqara was a passenger in a vehicle with two others, driven by a 28-year-old man. It is alleged that while traveling from Rakiraki to Nalawa, the driver lost control while attempting to negotiate a bend, causing the vehicle to leave the road and crash into a roadside market.
All occupants were transported to Rakiraki Hospital, where Niqara was pronounced dead. “The driver and one passenger received treatment and were subsequently discharged, while the second passenger was transferred to Lautoka Hospital,” SSP Divuana reported.
Niqara was the youngest of five siblings and lived with his family in Rakiraki Town. His older sister, Kelera Ragidrau, described him as humble and kind-hearted. “Hearing about his death has affected us deeply, especially our parents. He was very obedient, and I miss my brother,” she expressed.
SSP Divuana confirmed that investigations into the accident are ongoing.