Police: Driver allegedly lost control before fatal crash

Police have confirmed that Dinesh Padiyachi died in a road accident at Nayawa, Sigatoka, on Saturday night after he allegedly lost control of his vehicle.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed the incident yesterday.

A video circulating on social media allegedly shows the vehicle driven by Padiyachi veering out of its lane moments before the crash. The vehicle, registration number DM083, was travelling from Olosara towards Sigatoka Town and was seen swerving to the left side of the road.

When asked whether anyone had been charged over the incident, Ms Naisoro said the 44-year-old was driving along Queens Road at Nayawa when he allegedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer onto the opposite lane and collide with a minivan carrying 15 passengers.

“He was the one who allegedly lost control,” Ms Naisoro said.

Police said the driver was taken to Sigatoka Hospital, where medical officials confirmed his death.

Padiyachi, originally from Lautoka and a resident of Kulukulu, Sigatoka, was travelling to Olosara to pick up prawns when the accident occurred.

His wife, Thilok Tilotma, said the family had planned to travel to Lautoka on Sunday to celebrate Mother’s Day.

“We had planned to visit our family in Lautoka for Mother’s Day on Sunday. I told him to come and pick me up because we had to go to Lautoka,” an emotional Ms Tilotma said.

Police confirmed that two passengers in the minivan remain admitted at Lautoka Hospital, while the remaining passengers were treated and discharged.

Ms Naisoro said investigations were continuing.