An elderly tourist died in Aitutaki after being struck by a motorcycle, marking the second road-related fatality on the island within two weeks, prompting calls for increased road safety measures.

A 73-year-old Australian tourist died yesterday morning after succumbing to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Aitutaki on Thursday night.

According to police spokesperson Trevor Pitt, the deceased was walking back to his accommodation with his wife when he was struck from behind by a motorcyclist.

The tourist, who sustained fatal injuries in the incident, was pronounced dead early yesterday morning.

“He had been walking back to his accommodation with his wife when the incident occurred around 9.21pm, last night (Thursday),” Pitt explained.

The motorcyclist, a 44-year-old man, also sustained serious injuries but was reported to be in stable condition yesterday morning.

According to police, the incident does not appear to be alcohol-related and the motorcyclist was returning home from a dance performance at a hotel, at the time.

The incident has caused grave concern for the mayor of Aitutaki, Nick Henry, who emphasised that this incident is not to be taken lightly, while also offering his condolences to the affected family.

In response to queries by this newspaper, Henry said he had called a meeting for the government agencies and stakeholders involved to install streetlights and other road safety measures. 

“My prayers go to all the families of those affected by this tragic accident. Such a tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of road safety whether you are driving, riding or walking,” Henry said.

“As a community and as an Island Government we must take measures to help prevent these heartbreaks occurring in the future. Te Atua te aroa.”

This is the second road-related death in Aitutaki within two weeks, following the tragic death of a 49-year-old man who sustained fatal injuries in a motorcycle-truck collision a fortnight ago.