Driver charged in Cook Islands’ first road fatality

A pick-up truck driver who allegedly struck a 60-year-old motorcyclist on April 17 has been charged with dangerous driving causing death. He is expected to appear in court today.

Cook Islands Police spokesperson Trevor Pitt said the driver was arrested on Monday and remanded in prison awaiting his court appearance.

On the morning of the incident, police were called to the scene at 7.24 am by the airport, near the RSA (Returned Services Association) building. The motorcyclist, a 60-year-old woman, was travelling towards town when she was struck.

She died from severe injuries sustained in the crash. Pitt earlier confirmed this was the country’s first road fatality.

Last year, there were five deaths. The numbers were also high in previous years, with one in 2022, five in 2021, five in 2020, eight in 2019, and six in 2018.