A 26-year-old man of Nawaka, Nadi is the country’s latest road fatality.

Deceased is owner of Billion Hairs Cuts at Votualevu, Nadi, Mohaimin Sharuk Ali, also known as Vinsent.

He was killed on the spot in a two-car smash-up at Waqadra, Nadi, around midday yesterday.

Police spokesperson Savaira Tabua said the vehicle was driven by the deceased, who was accompanied by a 27-year-old woman and a three-year-old toddler.

Ms Tabua said the vehicle was on its way to Martintar when it veered off the lane and hit an oncoming vehicle.

Witness, Vilisi Trail, 53, said she was sitting outside her porch when she heard a loud crashing sound.

“I heard two huge bangs, within 30 seconds people were there, it was a pity to witness what happened,” she said.

Fire officers from the Nadi station were present at the scene to cut the vehicle open to free the woman and toddler, who were trapped inside.

Ms Tabua said the two passengers were now admitted at the Nadi Hospital.

Scene of the crash

Meanwhile, the deceased’s younger brother, Muqtadeer Saif Kaiyum, 25, said the family was still trying to come to terms with his brother’s sudden passing away.

“He is a very talented guy in Nadi. He just opened a barbershop in Votualevu, a week ago,” he said.

“He was a good guy.”

The late Mr Ali was a barber by profession for the past seven years.

“He used to cut my hair; I guess now it will be hard to get someone else to do it. I spoke to him a few minutes before he was involved in the accident,” he said.

Mr Kaiyum said his late brother had an argument with his wife on Sunday.

He said his sister-in-law had requested his assistance to lodge a domestic violence complaint at the Namaka Police Station.

The road death toll now stands at 16 compared to 27 for the same period last year.

Police investigation continues.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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