Police at Kirakira in the Makira Ulawa Province is investigating a fatal road accident which resulted in the death of a four-year-old female child after she allegedly fell from a moving bus travelling from Kirakira to Kaonasugu Village in Central Makira on 18 November 2018.
Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Makira Ulawa Province, Peter Sitai explains: “It is alleged that in the afternoon of 18 November 2018 the child was travelling with her parents in a westerly direction from Kirakira town to Kaonasugu Village in an 18- seater bus.
“On approaching Maepua Village, east of Kaonasugu, the child suddenly fell through an open door of the bus while trying to walk across to her father who was sitting on the front seat of the bus,” says PPC Sitai.
He adds: “The driver of the bus upon realizing the incident stopped and rushed the child back to Kirakira Hospital where she was pronounced deceased on arrival by a nurse at the Hospital.
PPC Sitai says, “The driver of the bus was located, interviewed and later released the same day.”
“I appeal to parents and relatives to remain calm as police investigation into the incident continues. Anyone who may have information about this sad incident is encouraged to come and assist the investigation into the matter,” says PPC Sitai.
PPC Sitai emphasises: “I want to remind vehicle drivers and passengers to respect traffic laws. Do not drink and drive. Drivers must ensure that passengers sit properly in the vehicle at all times and not on the rails or on top of the vehicle cabin. Close the doors of all moving vehicles.”
Police at Kirakira will be conducting traffic checks during the coming Festive season and the general public is requested to cooperate as police will not tolerate any one found breaking the law.