Two years following the tragic death of a 21-year-old woman in a Ferris wheel accident during a 2023 public event, significant legal action has been initiated against a local occupational health and safety officer. Ashneel Nath, 34, has been charged with one count of manslaughter due to an alleged breach of duty, a situation that a Suva Magistrates Court addressed today.
The incident occurred in June 2023, when the young woman fell from the Ferris wheel, leading to her untimely death, while a mother and daughter also sustained injuries. Reports indicate that the Ferris wheel may have increased its speed unexpectedly, which resulted in the operator losing control.
During Nath’s first court appearance, the prosecution requested strict bail conditions that included cash bail, the surrender of his passport, two sureties, and a restraining order against witness interference. The defense, however, argued that Nath had cooperated fully throughout the investigation, noting that he voluntarily presented himself to authorities prior to his court date.
Nath was granted a non-cash bail set at $1,000, alongside the required sureties. The case has now been transferred to the Suva High Court, with the next hearing scheduled for November 21.
This continues to be a significant case as it has drawn considerable public attention and raises important discussions around safety standards and accountability in amusement park operations. The ongoing efforts for justice reflect a community’s desire for enhanced safety measures, ensuring that such tragedies do not recur in the future.