Widow demands answers after SCC worker dies on duty

The widow of a Suva City Council (SCC) worker who died while on duty in Nasese, Suva, is calling for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

She made the appeal today after a post-mortem examination reportedly found he died from catastrophic chest injuries caused by a truck tyre.

Sinal Shilanjli Goundar, wife of the late Ritnesh Chand, said she wants clarity from the SCC, Police and other authorities on how the incident occurred, including the condition of the garbage truck, the driver’s actions, and reports that dogs may have been involved.

“I want a thorough investigation first,” Mrs Goundar said. “I want to know everything, who was driving and what happened.”

She said the doctor who conducted the post-mortem told her the truck’s tyre had run over her husband’s chest, fracturing all his ribs.

“When I asked the doctor what actually caused the death, he told me it was because the tyre went over the chest,” she said. “On the spot, he was dead because the tyre went over.”

Mrs Goundar said she initially believed her husband had suffered a leg injury before later being informed the fatal injuries were to his chest.

She raised questions about whether the garbage truck was properly maintained, why dogs in the area were allegedly not secured, and how a step on the truck reportedly broke as her husband attempted to climb onto the vehicle while trying to escape.

She also questioned whether the driver was fully focused at the time of the incident and called on investigators to determine how the truck’s tyre came to run over her husband.

“I don’t want to hear things going around. I want the facts,” she said. “I don’t want other women whose husbands are working there face the same issue.”

SCC chief executive officer Tevita Boseiwaqa said the matter is being investigated by police, the Land Transport Authority, the Ministry of Labour and the council.

He said the truck involved was roadworthy and maintained that the incident was not caused by mechanical failure, suggesting instead it was triggered by dogs in the area.

“We can confirm that because the incident doesn’t have to do with something with the truck. It’s initiated by the dogs,” he said.

Mr Boseiwaqa said rubbish collectors are provided with protective equipment but are not expected to deal with uncontrolled dogs while working, adding that responsibility lies with dog owners to secure their animals.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed a post-mortem examination has been completed and investigations are continuing into the circumstances of the death.

Mrs Goundar said she was informed by supervisors around 12.20pm on Tuesday that her husband had fainted and was taken to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, where she was later told he had died.

She said her husband had worked with the council for 13 years and was the family’s sole breadwinner.

The tragedy comes just over two months after the death of her son.

“I just lost my son two months and 10 days ago. Now I’ve lost my husband. I don’t know what to do,” she said.

The funeral is scheduled for tomorrow. In a final appeal, she urged authorities to uncover the truth.

“Justice for my husband. Please. Just tell the truth. Don’t hide anything. One person has lost their life.”