Fiji’s road fatalities this year have reached 38, a notable decrease compared to 62 at the same time last year, following a recent tragic accident.
Setoki Niqara, a 27-year-old resident of Nailuva Village in Ra, lost his life on Tuesday morning in a crash on the Kings Highway, situated between Nalawa and Rakiraki Town.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana, Niqara was a passenger in a vehicle alongside two others, driven by a 28-year-old man. Reports indicate that while traveling from Rakiraki to Nalawa, the driver failed to negotiate a turn, leading the vehicle to veer off the road and collide with a roadside market.
All occupants were promptly taken to Rakiraki Hospital, where Niqara was pronounced dead. SSP Divuana reported that the driver and one passenger received treatment and were discharged, while another passenger was moved to Lautoka Hospital for further care.
Niqara was the youngest of five siblings and had been living with his family in Rakiraki Town. His elder sister, Kelera Ragidrau, described him as humble and kind-hearted. She expressed the family’s deep sorrow, particularly their parents, emphasizing, “He was a very obedient man. I miss my brother.”
SSP Divuana confirmed that the investigation into the incident is ongoing.