An eight-year-old child lost his life in a freak road accident at Dreketi, Macuata, after he was hit by an oncoming vehicle.
Police said the boy “suddenly” crossed the road after disembarking from a licensed carrier.
The impact was so severe that the child was propelled approximately 24 metres before landing on the tarsealed road.
In a statement, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) called on all road users, including parents, guardians, school communities, and drivers, to exercise extreme caution, particularly around school zones and high-risk areas.
Authority CEO, Irimaia Rokosawa, expressed his condolences to the grieving family.
“There are important lessons to be learned from this, particularly regarding the constant message that speeding kills and that drivers must be extra vigilant, especially around school pick-up and drop-off points,” Mr Rokosawa said.
Mr Rokosawa pointed out that children were naturally unpredictable and may suddenly cross roads without assessing the dangers.
He urged drivers to slow down and remain extra cautious in areas where children were present, and also called for the constant supervision of young people.
The current road death toll stands at three compared to 15 for the same period last year.
