A SOLOMON Islands National University (SINU) student lost her life on Monday morning after a 2-ton pickup vehicle struck her at the Zebra crossing while walking across the Panatina Highway in front of the SINU Panatina Campus, East Honiara.
Lina Elustus Pitumana, a student enrolled in the SINU’s University Preparatory College (UPC), was on her way to Panatina campus that morning when she was hit by the pickup, which was travelling in the easterly direction at a high speed. The victim is from Isabel.
An eyewitness at the scene, who spoke on the condition of anonymity told the Solomon Star, the tragedy occurred around 7am.
She said the pickup truck was travelling at a very high speed when it ran over the student as she was crossing the road.
“I was playing golf at the time the lady walked across the road. I saw no vehicle nearby as she crossed the eastern lanes towards the island in the middle of the road.
“As soon as she was about to reach the island, I suddenly saw the pickup truck travelling eastward at a very high speed. The vehicle ran over her and dragged her beneath it.
“Then the vehicle bumped the island and threw her body on the western inner lane. It sounded like a bomb blast when the truck hit her.
“After that, the vehicle veered off the road and headed straight into the golf club fencing.
“The bus stop in front of the Panatina campus was filled with people waiting for buses to travel down town.
“When we shouted at the driver and the other person in the vehicle asking if they intentionally hit the lady, the other person explained that the driver just had an argument with his wife and was not concentrating.
“The victim’s body lie there on the road for about 15 minutes before it was rushed to the hospital,” the witness recounted.
The witness said she was traumatized by the horrific scene she witnessed.
Meanwhile, SINU posted a message on its facebook page on Monday expressing condolence to the immediate family of its student, stating that the SINU community mourns her loss.
It said Pitumana had a bright future ahead of her but it was cut short by the tragic accident.
SINU then called on responsible authorities to review the placing of the Zebra crossing and the safety of pedestrians to prevent further accidents.
It said as an institution, it holds the safety and wellbeing of its students with paramount importance and believes it is vital that relevant authorities address the risks of the crossing head-on.
“While we mourn the loss of Ms Pitumana, we must act to ensure that no other lives are needlessly endangered.
“We urge both pedestrians and drivers to exercise utmost caution, particularly around school zones and university campuses.
“Students should remain vigilant when crossing roads and drivers must be mindful of their surroundings, especially during peak hours, when students are arriving at or departing from classes.
“In light of this tragic accident, we appeal to the authorities to conduct a thorough review of the current placement of the Zebra crossing in and around our campuses.
“We fear that without prompt action, more lives may be put at risk.
“So, it is essential that we take collective responsibility for the safety of all road users and ensure that pedestrian crossings are situated in areas that maximize visibility and protection for those crossing the roads,” SINU said.
The matter is now under police investigation.
Photo caption: The student was killed while walking across the Zebra crossing at Panatina Campus, East Honiara. Pictured here is a similar Zebra crossing located near the Honiara City Council headquarter. Photo HCC.
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
