Second Aitutaki road-related death in two weeks has locals concerned

An elderly tourist died in Aitutaki in the Cook Islands after being struck by a motorcycle, marking the second road-related fatality on the island within two weeks.

The incidents have prompted calls for increased road safety measures in the Pacific island nation.

The 73-year-old Australian tourist died on Friday morning after succumbing to injuries sustained in the motorcycle accident in Aitutaki on Thursday night.

According to police spokesperson Trevor Pitt, the deceased was walking back to his accommodation with his wife when he was struck from behind by a motorcyclist.

The tourist, who sustained fatal injuries in the incident, was pronounced dead early Friday morning.

The motorcyclist, a 44-year-old man, also sustained serious injuries but was reported to be in stable condition.

According to police, the incident does not appear to be alcohol-related, and the motorcyclist was returning home from a dance performance at a hotel at the time.

The incident has caused grave concern for the mayor of Aitutaki, Nick Henry. He emphasised that this incident is not to be taken lightly and offered his condolences to the affected family.

In response to queries by the Cook Islands News, Henry said he had called a meeting for the government agencies and stakeholders involved to install streetlights and other road safety measures.

Aitutaki is a popular tourism destination in the Cook Islands. Photo/Cook Islands Tourism.

“My prayers go to all the families of those affected by this tragic accident. Such a tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of road safety whether you are driving, riding or walking,” Henry said.

“As a community and as an island government, we must take measures to help prevent these heartbreaks occurring in the future. Te Atua te aroa.”

This is the second road-related fatality in Aitutaki within two weeks, following the tragic death of a 49-year-old man who suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle-truck collision a fortnight ago.

PMN News note: Aitutaki has a resident population of about 2000 people.

In republishing this article, it has been edited for clarity. It was first published by the Cook Islands News.