Three individuals lost their lives in two separate traffic accidents over the weekend in the western division. In Nadi, two men succumbed to their injuries at the scene of an accident in Wailoaloa yesterday. Meanwhile, a 21-year-old man died in a separate incident on King’s Road at Dravuni, Tavua, on Saturday.
Reports suggest that both accidents occurred when the drivers lost control while trying to overtake another vehicle. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana, who oversees traffic operations, indicated that the two men who died in the Nadi accident have not yet been identified.
According to SSP Divuana, the men had been socializing with their cousin and five other youths at Wailoaloa beach earlier in the day. “The two men died at the scene based on the information we received. We are still investigating the matter, and while we have their names, we need to confirm their identities with their relatives,” he stated.
The driver’s relationship to the deceased was noted, and he has since been released from Nadi Hospital and is now in police custody at Namaka Police Station. The other three passengers involved in the accident were treated at Nadi Hospital.
In the incident in Tavua, the 21-year-old victim was driving on King’s Road near Draunivi when the crash occurred. He was transported to Tavua Hospital but sadly passed away that same afternoon. The four passengers traveling with him received medical attention and were later discharged. Speeding is believed to have contributed to this accident.
SSP Divuana emphasized that speeding remains a significant issue, with police issuing citations daily for violations of the speed limit despite ongoing warnings. “Police and the Land Transport Authority continue to advise drivers, but many still ignore the reminders. The current road death toll stands at 31, which is lower than the 57 fatalities recorded during the same period last year,” he added. “If we all accept our responsibilities together, we can help prevent these numbers from rising.”