Two teenagers have died in separate road accidents this week, prompting police to issue urgent reminders to motorists and pedestrians about the dangers of reckless driving and roadside hazards.
In Nadi, an 18-year-old student was killed early on Sunday after allegedly being struck by a vehicle while sleeping on the roadside.
Police said the teenager was intoxicated when a 43-year-old man’s vehicle hit him. He was rushed to Nadi Hospital where he later died.
Director of Traffic Control Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana urged young people to avoid walking along busy roads while under the influence of alcohol.
“When you are intoxicated, please avoid walking along a busy road, you will only put yourself and other road users at risk,” he said.
The driver remains in police custody as investigations continue.
In a separate incident, a 15-year-old student died after a vehicle carrying him and seven other students lost control on the Nausori Highland Rd on Thursday last week.
The vehicle tumbled down a hill and plunged approximately 100 metres down a cliff, ejecting all occupants. The teenager was pronounced dead on arrival at the Nadi Hospital while three others remain in stable condition.
