Police arrest a 20-year-old male suspect in relation to the fatal accident involving a foreign national

Police have arrested a 20-year old male suspect in relation to the fatal accident involving a foreign national in Honiara on 3 December 2023.

The foreign national is part Cook Islands and Samoa who is in the country to meet his brother who led the Cook Islands team for the 17th Pacific Games. The deceased is based in Papua New Guinea.

The National Traffic Department (NTD) of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has confirmed that the deceased was in the country to see his brother and not part of the team.

Director NTD, Superintendent William Foufaka said the vehicle was travelling in an easterly direction at high speed and allegedly the suspect is under the influence of liquor.

Director Foufaka said as the vehicle reached Saru beach, veered from the road and hit the rail outside from the low lane which pushed the vehicle back to the high lane.

The vehicle was still driving at the same speed and hit the middle Island at St. Nicholas Junction, the vehicle jumped and hit the rail outside of the low lane again which twisted the vehicle and hit the deceased, said Director Foufaka.

Mr. Foufaka said investigation into the fatal accident is continuing and asked those at the scene during the accident to assist police with information.

He said on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, ranks and file of the RSIPF we want to express our condolences during this difficult time.

Superintendent Foufaka said police have been advocating on road safety but some vehicle drivers are so ignorant to take heed of traffic rules when they are on the road. If you drink, don't drive.