Fiji’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) and police are calling for extra care on the roads following a fatal accident in Dreketi, Labasa, which claimed the life of an eight-year-old child.
The incident occurred yesterday afternoon near Basikalave Settlement when the young student, having just disembarked from a carrier, suddenly crossed the road and was struck by an oncoming vehicle. The force of the impact propelled the child approximately 24 meters before landing on the tarsealed road.
Expressing his condolences to the grieving family, LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa said: “This is an unfortunate incident that reinforces the need for all road users to exercise extreme caution at all times.
“Speeding kills, and drivers must be extra vigilant especially around school pick-up and drop-off points.”
Rokosawa warns that drivers who repeatedly fail to adhere to traffic laws will face showcause proceedings and other penalties.
“This is a serious concern for the Authority,” he said. “The month of February recorded zero road fatalities, and it is devastating to now record one in March—particularly the loss of such a young life.”
He encouraged all drivers, parents, school authorities, and communities to work together in ensuring that children are protected from road-related dangers.
“While authorities can implement strict road safety measures, road safety is ultimately a collective responsibility,” Rokosawa said.
According to police reports, the vehicle involved in the accident was driven by a man in his 50s. The driver is expected to be questioned by authorities as investigations continue.
The current road death toll stands at three, compared to 15 recorded for the same period last year.
Photo: LTA
