Fines proposed for tramline loitering after fatality

Fines or penalties should be imposed on people who unnecessarily loiter near tramline assets to prevent further accidents, says former Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) board member and sugarcane farmer Akisi Vinaka.

Ms Vinaka made the proposal following the death of 29-year-old Navneet Pillay along the Vuo tramline in Labasa early yesterday morning.

She extended her condolences to Mr Pillay’s family and said the incident should serve as a warning to people who use tramline areas for crossing, resting, leisure or drinking.

She said tramline areas were sometimes used by people for alcohol consumption and other activities unrelated to cane transportation.

Ms Vinaka, who operates a sugarcane farm in the Wainikoro sugar sector in Labasa, said she had previously observed people loitering near tramlines without a genuine reason.

“Tramline areas should be out of bound areas with its only purpose for cane cutters to fill locomotive with cane stock to be supplied to the Labasa mill,” she said.

Ms Vinaka said FSC should introduce strict penalties to discourage people from unnecessarily entering or remaining near tramline areas.

“If you know you have no work near the tramline areas, don't venture close to it,” she said.

She said the risk of accidents was particularly concerning in the Wainikoro and Daku sectors, where many farmers supplied cane to the Labasa Mill through the rail system.

“I urge people to refrain from loitering near tramline areas because accidents can happen any time and human life being lost is something which we should avoid,” Ms Vinaka said.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said Police had questioned the 58-year-old locomotive driver and his co-driver as investigations continued.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

“A post-mortem examination will be conducted to ascertain cause of death,” she said.