Two people have died in separate road accidents in the Northern Division over the past 48 hours, with police believing both crashes were linked to alcohol.
The first accident occurred in Labasa yesterday after 5am along Nasekula Road.
A man in his 30s, who was a passenger in a vehicle driven by another man in his 30s, died after the vehicle veered off the road.
He was rushed to the Labasa Hospital but was unfortunately pronounced dead on arrival.
The driver and two other passengers sustained injuries and remain admitted at the hospital.
The second accident occurred in Taveuni after 2am this morning along Barotu.
A woman died after the vehicle she was travelling in with five others veered off the road.
She was rushed to hospital, where her death was confirmed by medical officials.
One passenger remains admitted in critical condition, while the remaining passengers are being treated for their injuries.
The driver fled the scene.
Investigations are continuing into both accidents.
The national road death toll currently stands at 41, compared with 56 for the same period last year.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe says the two accidents are believed to be linked to alcohol.
Vusonilawe says this is another reminder of the devastating impact driving under the influence can have on families and communities.
He says awareness campaigns can only be effective if people choose to follow the advisories and is calling for a change in mindset as Fiji heads into the festive season, when alcohol consumption often increases.
The Fiji Police Force is reminding all Fijians that everyone has a role to play in road safety, whether you are a driver, passenger or pedestrian.
Police are urging people to speak up and stop dangerous road behaviour before it is too late.
