Alcohol is believed to have been a factor in two separate road accidents that claimed two lives in the Northern Division over the past 48 hours.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe said the two fatal accidents were believed to be linked to alcohol, warning of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.
The first accident occurred along Nasekula Road in Labasa shortly after 5am on Saturday.
A man in his 30s was travelling as a passenger in a vehicle driven by another man in his 30s when the vehicle veered off the road.
The victim was rushed to Labasa Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver and two other passengers sustained injuries and remain admitted in hospital.
The second accident occurred in Taveuni shortly after 2am, claiming the life of a woman.
The victim was travelling with five others along Barotu when their vehicle veered off the road. She was rushed to hospital where her death was confirmed.
One passenger remains in critical condition, while the others are being treated for their injuries. Police said the driver fled the scene.
ACP Vusonilawe said the incidents were a reminder of the potentially deadly consequences of mixing alcohol and driving.
He said awareness campaigns could only be effective if people chose to heed safety advisories and called for a change in mindset as Fiji heads into the festive season, when alcohol consumption often increases.
Investigations into both accidents are continuing.
Fiji’s national road death toll now stands at 41, compared with 56 for the same period last year.
