Police at Henderson in Guadalcanal Province is investigating a fatal accident which occurred close to Suva road in North Guadalcanal on 2 November 2018.
Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Guadalcanal Province, Chief Superintendent Evelyn Thugea says “At least three people have been confirmed death in relation to the fatal accident last Friday while five other people who sustained injuries are still admitted at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara.”
PPC Thugea explains: “Two of the dead died instantly at the scene during the accident and the other who was in a critical condition later died at the NRH on 3 November 2018.”
Chief Superintendent Thugea says, “The accident involved a vehicle owned by the Hatanga Company with a load of timber traveling to Honiara. It is alleged that the driver of the vehicle tried to avoid a pot hole by traveling into the opposite lane of the road and swung the vehicle to its right lane. Due to the heavy load of timber and a Lucas Mill on the back trailer the vehicle overturned and caused the accident.”
Ms Thugea says, “It is a sad incident and it should be a reminder to our drivers, vehicle owners and passengers. Drivers must be careful and take extra precaution and consider that the lives of the passengers travelling on your vehicle are in your hands. Do not overload your vehicle. To vehicle owners, make sure your vehicles are road worthy and that your drivers have a valid driver’s license. Passengers, tell the driver to slow down if they are driving too fast and tell the driver if you think the vehicle is overloaded.” Our safety while travelling in vehicles is our shared responsibility.”
“I would like to sincerely acknowledge the support from our communities and stakeholders who assisted the victims and securing properties during the time of the fatal accident,” says Ms Thugea.
“I appeal to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident to come forward with information and assist police with the investigation.”
PPC Thugea adds: “Our sympathies and condolences to the family members of the deceased who died during the accident.”