Aitutaki is reeling after the recent death of an elderly Australian tourist in a motorcycle accident, marking the third motor vehicle-related fatality on the island in just two years.

The tragic incident has sparked calls for increased road safety measures, including the installation of streetlights along a “dangerous stretch of road”.

The recent accident occurred on Thursday evening when the 73-year-old tourist was walking with his wife to their accommodation. He was struck by a motorcyclist, a 44-year-old man, who was returning home after performing at a local resort.

The motorcyclist sustained serious injuries but is in stable condition, while the tourist succumbed to his injuries and passed away early the next morning.

Toanui Isamaela, local Member of Parliament and leader of the One Cook Islands Movement, expressed his sorrow over the tragedy.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with both families during this time,” Isamaela said.

“We ask that our people allow the Police to conduct and conclude their enquiries unhindered as we await the outcome of their investigation.”

However, Isamaela said that this incident, the third fatality in two years, highlights broader concerns about road safety on the island.

Last week’s incident marks the second road-related death in Aitutaki following the tragic death of a 49-year-old man who sustained fatal injuries in a motorcycle-truck collision two weeks ago. In 2023 on Christmas Eve, a visiting Cook Islander, who was holidaying with his family in Aitutaki, died in a motorcycle crash.

“There are many factors that contribute to these accidents, such as poor road conditions, inadequate lighting, and driver behaviour,” Isamaela said.

“I am a strong advocate for safety on our roads, but we need to apply a common-sense approach.”

One of the key safety measures Isamaela has been advocating for is the installation of streetlights along the road where the fatal accident occurred.

He has been in discussions with local businesses and landowners for the past two years to address the “invisible dark spots” along the road, which have become increasingly hazardous with growing foot traffic and vehicle use.

However, according to Isamaela, his push for better lighting has faced resistance from Air Rarotonga, which expressed concerns about the lights potentially interfering with civil aviation regulations.

Despite this, Isamaela remains determined to move forward with the plan.

“I have the lights ready to install with the full support of the landowners and business community,” Isamaela said. “I will do so with or without Air Rarotonga’s support because people’s lives matter.”

Air Rarotonga denies having advised Isamaela that the streetlights may pose a hazard.

Also read: Aitutaki tragedy: Tourist dies after being struck by motorcyclist

The airline’s flight operations director and chief pilot, Munro Hockin, responded to this newspaper’s queries on the matter, stating that they had no objections to the installation of lights as long as they did not conflict with runway clearance limitations.

“We received a letter from the MP Toanui Isamaela asking for our comments. This was before Christmas. He had been advised by the Airport Authority, not Air Rarotonga, that the lights may present a hazard,” Hockin said.

Hockin also indicated that he had communicated this information to Aitutaki’s Airport Manager, Mii Blenkarn.

Cook Islands News has contacted the chief executive officer of the Airport Authority, Nikau Tangaroa, for a comment on the matter, but no response was received by press time.

MP Isamaela has vowed to continue pressing for action.

“How many more lives will be lost on this stretch of road?” he asked.

Meanwhile, police spokesperson, Trevor Pitt says there is no update since the incident whether the motorcyclist has been charged, as well as all other incidents during the festive season as investigations are ongoing.

“Aitutaki does have the option of introducing helmets for motorcyclists, something they can do when they decide to,” Pitt said.

Aitutaki mayor Nick Henry told the newspaper last week that he had called a meeting for government agencies and stakeholders to install streetlights and other road safety measures.