A 35-YEAR-OLD farmer is dead after the vehicle he was driving veered off the road and tumbled down a hill along the Buca Bay highway on Vanua Levu.
His companion, who survived the accident, is believed to have jumped out of the window before the vehicle tumbled downhill.
The accident happened near Loa Village on Tuesday morning and claimed the life of Paula Tekei Vosa who was a farmer in Nabouwalu.
Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said Mr Vosa was accompanied by 20-year-old Timoci Somumu, a villager of Tacilevu Village.
She said the two were on their way to Tukavesi from Labasa when the accident happened.
“The victim managed to jump out through the left passenger window before the vehicle tumbled twice and went over a cliff,” she said.
“The deceased was stuck inside the vehicle and died instantly at the scene. “The body is kept at the Labasa morgue awaiting post-mortem (examination). The victim received minor injuries and investigations continue.”
In a separate case, police have charged a 35-year-old man with attempted rape.
Ms Naisoro said the suspect is believed to have tried to rape an eight-year-old girl in Cakaudrove.
The alleged offence happened two weeks ago when the suspect was living with the victim’s family.
“The accused was disturbed by the victim’s father and fled from the scene,” Ms Naisoro said.
