A tragic incident has claimed the life of a 13-year-old student, becoming the latest road fatality in the country. According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana, the young victim was traveling as a passenger in a vehicle alongside four others on Princess Road in Tacirua when a truck, driven by a 21-year-old, reportedly collided with their car.
SSP Divuana explained that the truck driver appeared to have lost control, causing the vehicle to cross into the opposite lane and leading to the crash. All passengers in the car were immediately rushed to Colonial War Memorial Hospital, but unfortunately, the 13-year-old was pronounced dead upon arrival.
In addition to this heartbreaking accident, SSP Divuana noted two other serious incidents occurring the same day. One involved a vehicle on Mead Road, where the driver allegedly lost control and struck another car being driven by a 52-year-old man. That individual is currently being treated at CWM Hospital.
The second incident took place on Daniva Road, where a 39-year-old driver struck an 8-year-old student who reportedly crossed the road unexpectedly. The child was also taken to CWM Hospital and remains under care.
In light of the recent accidents and warnings issued by the Fiji Meteorological Office regarding the current weather conditions, SSP Divuana urged both drivers and pedestrians to exercise heightened caution for their safety.
Despite these tragic events, it’s worth noting that the national road death toll currently stands at 54, a reduction compared to 73 in previous years. This suggests ongoing efforts to improve road safety may be having an impact, and there is hope that continued public awareness and preventive measures can further reduce fatal incidents on the road.
It’s essential for the community to come together to promote safer driving habits and ensure the well-being of all road users, especially vulnerable groups such as children.
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