A 34-year-old Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Inspector has been charged with manslaughter due to a breach of duty related to the tragic death of 21-year-old Komal Kumar, who fell from a Ferris wheel during an incident in Suva in June 2023. The charge comes under Sections 240 and 241(5) of the Crimes Act and has been confirmed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). The accused is expected to appear in the Suva Magistrates Court today.
This incident, which took place at the Vodafone Arena, claimed the life of Kumar and left a mother-daughter duo, Ravina and Supriya Reshma, injured. Witness accounts describe that the Ferris wheel lost control and picked up speed, resulting in the trio falling from the ride.
Authorities are actively searching for a second individual linked to the case, underlining the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations had previously responded by initiating a nationwide ban on all Ferris wheel operations in Fiji as a precautionary measure following the incident.
Discussion around the investigation has highlighted delays in accountability, with emotional pleas from Kumar’s family and public figures stressing the urgency for resolution. Mahendra Chaudhry, leader of the Fiji Labour Party, has been vocal in criticizing the slow pace of investigations and the need for greater transparency and responsibility.
In response to the tragedy, the government and various stakeholders are committed to ensuring more robust safety measures and protocols for amusement rides. The ongoing investigation by the police and the National Occupational Health and Safety Service aims to uncover the full extent of any breaches of safety regulations that may have contributed to the accident.
While this case is a somber reminder of the risks associated with public amusement rides, the actions being taken reflect a determined effort to bolster safety standards. It is hoped that through comprehensive investigations and concerted public safety initiatives, such tragedies will be prevented in the future, providing a safer environment for all amusement park patrons.