Fiji’s road fatalities have climbed to 38 this year, a significant decrease from 62 during the same period last year, following a recent deadly accident.
Setoki Niqara, a 27-year-old from Nailuva Village in Ra, lost his life in a crash on Tuesday morning along the Kings Highway, situated between Nalawa, Ra, and Rakiraki Town.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana, the incident occurred while Niqara was a passenger in a vehicle with two others, driven by a 28-year-old man. Reports suggest that while traveling from Rakiraki to Nalawa, the driver failed to navigate a bend, leading the vehicle off the road and causing it to crash into a roadside market.
All occupants were promptly transported to Rakiraki Hospital, where Niqara was unfortunately pronounced dead. SSP Divuana stated that the driver and one passenger were treated and discharged, while a second passenger was transferred to Lautoka Hospital.
Niqara was the youngest of five siblings and resided with his family in Rakiraki Town. His sister, Kelera Ragidrau, described him as a humble and kind individual. “It hurt us so much when we heard about his death, especially our parents. He was a very obedient man. I miss my brother,” she expressed.
SSP Divuana confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.