The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is concerned about the number of deaths from road accidents involving vehicles operated by logging companies throughout Solomon Islands.

The RSIPF Media Unit has so far posted stories on its Facebook page recording 19 human lives lost allegedly from accidents involving logging operations in the country.

Commissioner of Police, Matthew Varley explains: “The incidents for these deaths were for the period, 25 August 2017 – 27 July 2019. From our investigation about these deaths, it has been revealed the causes of the accidents were unworthy vehicles conditions, careless driving, driving under influence of alcohol and road conditions during wet weather.”

“For unworthy vehicle conditions this included brakes not functioning well and bold tyres. While another factor was skippers were affected of alcohol, which affected their driving ability. Another factor was careless driving including driving a vehicle without consideration the risks of roads constructed along mountains and trenches. Sadly another factor is disregard for the wet condition of the road,” says Commissioner Varley.

He adds: “My message about traffic safety is, check that your vehicle is road worthy before travelling; do not drink alcohol if you are driving a vehicle; consider the likely risks of roads constructed along mountains and trenches; and the risk of wet weather on roads, so that we avoid loss of lives."

There were thirteen stories for these 19 deaths, while two stories for serious injuries in which a bibliography is provided at the bottom of this statement for reference.

1.Fatal accident cost two lives at Abe Logging Camp in East Fataleka, East Malaita on 27 July 2019 and link: https://www.facebook.com/RSIPF/posts/2386674691425905

2.Fatal accident cost two lives at Waihagu logging road, in Central Bauro- Makira on 13 June 2019 and link: https://www.facebook.com/RSIPF/posts/2321306604629381

3.Fatal accident cost two lives at Vavale logging camp in East Guadalcanal on 2 February 2019 and link: https://www.facebook.com/RSIPF/posts/2109749379118439

4.Fatal accident cost a life at Mega logging camp in West Dorio, Malaita on 21 November 2018 and link: https://www.facebook.com/RSIPF/posts/2006592279434150

5.Fatal accident cost a life at Lughighi logging area in West Rennell on 15 November 2018 and link: https://www.facebook.com/RSIPF/posts/1998618370231541

6.Fatal accident cost a life at Tobani log pond in West Makira on 12 November 2018 and link: https://www.facebook.com/RSIPF/posts/1995938287166216

7.Fatal accident of 3-year-old boy in Charikulu area, Tanagarare in West Guadalcanal on 11 October 2018 and link: https://www.facebook.com/RSIPF/posts/1953698421390203

8.Fatal accident cost a life and two injuries of persons at Kutu logging camp in East Choiseul on 10 October 2018 and link: https://www.facebook.com/RSIPF/posts/1958641954229183

9.Fatal accident cost a life at Fulo area near Bona Village in West Kwaio, Malaita on 5 October 2018 and link: https://www.facebook.com/RSIPF/posts/1946850255408353

10.Fatal accident cost two lives and four persons injured at Mondomondo logging camp on Middle Island, North West Choiseul on 10 April 2018 and link: https://www.facebook.com/RSIPF/posts/1711116175648430

11.Tragic logging accident involved a King Solomon Logging vehicle cost a life at Nakomage, South Star Harbor in East Makira on 24 October 2018 and link: https://www.facebook.com/RSIPF/posts/1973846736042038

12.Traffic accident resulted to vehicle driver injured but lucky to be alive at Maewo logging road in Makira-Ulawa Province on 21 April 2018, and link: https://www.facebook.com/RSIPF/posts/1726831740743540

13.Fatal accident cost a life at Bukukuana logging camp in North West Choiseul on 9 January 2018, and link: https://www.facebook.com/RSIPF/posts/1619265354833513

14.Fatal accident cost a life at logging road operated by Chia Tai logging company, in Central Makira on 26 December 2017 and link: https://www.facebook.com/RSIPF/posts/1603328076427241

15.Serious accident result to an adult male person sustained serious injuries, and it happened at Suri logging camp in East Choiseul on 25 August 2017 and link: https://www.facebook.com/RSIPF/posts/1494639183962798

Source: RSIPF