The Land Transport Authority acknowledges public concerns raised following the tragic accident in Labasa and extends our deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of the late Police Officer - PC Dharmesh Krishna, who lost his life while serving the public.
However, several of the allegations circulating in public forums are incorrect and contradict the preliminary findings of both the Fiji Police Force and the LTA’s internal review.
The checkpoint erected along Naseakula Road in Labasa was equipped with standard-issue road cones, warning battens, and positioned along a section of road with clear road markings and adequate visibility. Street lighting in the area was operational on the night in question, further contradicting claims of poor lighting. Allegations that the checkpoint lacked proper warning signs or used incorrect cones are not supported by the evidence.
Post-collision, technical assessment further confirms that the truck had no mechanical defects and that the incident resulted from the driver’s alleged failure to stop when directed to by an authorised officer, and particularly concerning given the wet weather conditions and the vehicle being loaded with sugarcane. These findings point to driver negligence and a disregard for road safety.
LTA’s joint operations with the Fiji Police Force are not limited to detecting defective vehicles. They are part of ongoing efforts to address the growing number of road fatalities caused by speeding, inattentiveness, impaired driving, and other high-risk behaviours that have now led to fatalities reaching 72 as of November 28th compared to 56 for the same period last year. It is therefore unfortunate and misleading to shift blame on to officers who were performing their duties to keep all road users safe.