The National Road Safety Council has raised concern that this year alone 70 percent of the fatal accidents in the country occurred in the Western Division.

Acting Director, Timoci Satakala said it is unfortunate that 3 young lives were lost in what is believed to be a combination of speeding and drunk driving in a horrific road accident in Waiyavi, Lautoka at about 4 o'clock yesterday morning.

He added so far 37 people have died on our roads compared to 28 for the same period last year which is very high.

Satakala said appropriate enforcement and campaign is needed mostly between Sigatoka and Rakiraki.

He stressed that there is a need to review penalties for speeding as this is one of the major cause of road accidents.

Meanwhile, Director Traffic, SSP Mahesh Mishra said 7 people were travelling in a three tonne truck from Nadi to Lautoka when the driver lost control in Waiyavi and the truck veered off the road before colliding with a tree.

The 25 year old driver and two other passengers, both 21 years old died instantly while 3 others sustained serious injuries and were taken to the Lautoka hospital.

Police suspect the driver and the passengers were drunk after discovering broken beer bottles inside the van.

The post mortem is expected to be conducted today.


Story by: Ronal Deo