A 31 year old Naduri villager died after the van he was travelling in veered off the road and landed in a drain.

Sigatoka Police has confirmed that the victim was travelling with four other passengers from Suva to Sigatoka when the incident took place.

The deceased was thrown out of the van and died instantly.

Police have questioned and released the driver as he is expected to be charged soon.

The national road death toll now is 41 compared to 68 in the same period last year.