‘Freak Accident’ Kills Father Of Three In Nadi
Witnesses said the victim jumped into a nearby drain and the forklift veered off the road, tumbled in the drain and the victim was trapped.
Thursday 24 March 2022 | 13:03
Soneel Raj, 34, shows a photo of his late brother Roneel Raj on March 23, 2022. Inset: Late Roneel Raj. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
The late Roneel Raj has been described as a man who was always jovial and loved his family.
The late Mr Raj, 38, a father of three, lost his life in what his family describes as a ‘freak accident’ after he lost control of the forklift he had been driving along Denarau Road in Nadi on Monday.
According to Police, Mr Raj was driving the forklift towards Namaka when it veered off the road.
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“Initial information gathered was that the victim had jumped off the moving forklift when he experienced difficulties in controlling it,” the statement said.
Witnesses said the victim jumped into a nearby drain and the forklift veered off the road, tumbled in the drain and the victim was trapped.
Personnel from the Fire Rescue attended to the scene to free the victim, but he was pronounced dead on arrival at the Nadi Hospital.
Younger brother Soneel Raj said his brother had always put the welfare of his family first.
Soneel said they were alerted of the news around mid-day while they were in Suva.
“My brother had a lot of plans for his family, especially his children’s education as they were very young.
“He was a very lively and jovial guy. I did not know this would happen to him. We were so shocked, and he was so full of life.”
He said that they had a normal conversation that morning, but he did not know that it was their last.
Police have said that an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the incident.
The funeral arrangement is scheduled for Friday.
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