A 1-year-old boy has tragically lost his life in a road accident in the Western Division, prompting renewed calls for parents, guardians and drivers to prioritise the safety of children travelling in vehicles.
Police say the boy was among two passengers in a vehicle being driven by a 39-year-old man along the Nadi Back Road yesterday morning when the vehicle veered off the road and plunged into a drain.
The child was rushed to Nadi Hospital, where medical officials later confirmed the victim's death.
Police say initial investigations suggest driver fatigue may have contributed to the crash, although this remains subject to further investigation.
The driver is expected to be questioned as inquiries continue.
Police are urging drivers to ensure they are adequately rested before getting behind the wheel, warning that driver fatigue significantly increases the risk of serious accidents.
They are also reminding parents, guardians and vehicle owners of the importance of ensuring children are properly secured and protected when travelling in vehicles.
The latest tragedy brings Fiji's road death toll to 23 so far this year, compared with 25 deaths recorded during the same period last year.
