The family of an accident victim expressed their anger over the circulation of a video showing their loved one in the mangled van after a collision with a truck on Saturday.

Rohinesh Prasad, who is currently admitted at the Lautoka Hospital, was driving the van while the truck was driven by a 46-year-old.

The video, which went viral on social media, showed rescuers trying to free Mr Prasad out of the wreckage. Mr Prasad is seen waving his hand from inside the vehicle requesting them to remove him slowly.

Initial information received from Police on Saturday said the three victims admitted at the hospital were travelling in the vehicle driven by Mr Prasad heading towards Drasa.

The truck driver and a passenger were treated and sent home on Saturday.

Elder brother, Ajinesh Prasad, said he came to know of the accident when pictures and a video of the incident were circulated online.

“This is our first visit to see him so we just want to see what state he is in,” he said.

“We didn’t know about the accident or how it happened until we saw the pictures on Facebook and some people sent us the video asking if it was my brother,” he said.

“The authorities should take these people to task.

“We tried to track the account, but the video was being circulated multiple times and even people from overseas were sending it to us.”

He acknowledged the authorities for their swift action.

“The Police have told us they will release the formal information to us on Tuesday,” he said.

“We would like to acknowledge the media for not sharing any contradictory images and also the NFA (National Fire Authority), Police and medical officers who have treated victims and they handled it very well, so we thank them,” he said.

Some of the comments on the video had RIP (rest in peace). The family are urging the public to get their facts right before making such comments.

Police spokesperson Savaira Tabua confirmed the three victims remained admitted at the Lautoka Hospital.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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