News

Three-year-old boy dies after slipping in a drain

April 22, 2019 9:30 am

A three-year-old boy has died after slipping in a drain in Lovoni village in Ovalau yesterday.

Police Chief Operations Officer ACP Maretino Qiolevu says the toddler is believed to have tried to jump over the drain but was unlucky as he slipped and hit the drain.

He was rushed to the Bureta health center where he was pronounced dead.

Article continues after advertisement

ACP Qiolevu says members of the public need to adhere to the safety advisories being issued with the current weather warnings in place.

Parents and guardians need to closely monitor their children as this is not a time to be playing in flooded areas.

Meanwhile, Police officers based at Nabouwalu continue to search for the two men who failed to return from a fishing trip on Saturday.

Police also continue to search for the 15-year-old boy who was swept away at Nasilai beach in Kiuva yesterday while swimming with his older brother.

In another search and rescue operation, the Fiji Navy rescued four passengers on board a vessel that had experienced engine problems.

A report was received from the Lautoka Ports alerting the Fiji Navy about a distressed vessel between Lautoka and Vuda Point.

The passengers were rescued and transported safely to the Vuda Mariner around 9pm last night.

Mariners must put on hold unnecessary travel, particularly on small boats to avoid tragedy as you’re not only putting your own lives in danger but that of others who will have to conduct the search and rescue operations.

People are also advised to listen to the weather updates and stay clear of flooded areas.

The public is advised to call the Police National Command Center on 9905 296 if they need assistance or information.