20-year-old arrested after fatal accident that killed 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 was in the county to meet his brother who led the Cook Islands team for the 17^th 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 was under the influence of liquor.

Foufaka said when the vehicle reached Saru beach it 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. After the hit the vehicle flew and hit the rail outside of the low lane, which twisted the vehicle and hit the deceased, said Foufaka.

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

He said on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, ranks and files of the RSIPF express express their condolences to the family during this difficult time.

Foufaka said police have been advocating on road safety but some vehicle drivers were so ignorant to take heed of traffic rules when they were on the road.

“If you drink, don’t drive,” he reiterated.

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• RSIPF Media Unit