ConnectFiji

02/10/2026

Three People Hospitalized After Tesla Bursts Into Flames in Los Angeles Crash

Los Angeles — A morning traffic incident in the Chatsworth area left three people injured and hospitalized after a Tesla vehicle caught fire following a crash, authorities confirmed Monday.
The collision was reported just before 7:46 a.m. near Nordhoff Street and Bahama Avenue, where the Tesla reportedly slammed into a tree and erupted into flames, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Emergency crews from the LAPD and Los Angeles Fire Department responded quickly, extinguishing the blaze and securing the scene.
Aerial footage from the site showed the charred remains of the sedan surrounded by fire personnel, with significant wreckage visible across the roadway. All three individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment; details on the severity of their injuries have not yet been released.
Police have not released information on whether the injured were occupants of the Tesla at the time of the crash or bystanders. The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet said whether charges or citations will be filed.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in the region and the challenges faced by first responders when electric vehicles become involved in high-impact crashes and fires.
Source: KTLA

02/10/2026

High-Profile Health Tender Trial of Bainimarama, Sayed-Khaiyum and Sharma to Start in March

The long-running legal case against three of Fiji’s most prominent political figures is now scheduled to begin next month.
After a final pre-trial conference at the High Court in Suva, it was confirmed that the trial of former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and former health minister Dr Neil Sharma is set to open on March 2, 2026.
The trio faces allegations related to the awarding of health ministry tenders in 2011. They are charged with abuse of office, obstructing the course of justice, and breach of trust under the 2010 Procurement Regulations.
At the conference, the prosecution reportedly reduced its witness list from 40 to 25, and both sides indicated they are prepared to proceed to trial.
State prosecutor Laisani Tabuakoro also confirmed that the trial bundle will be formally filed ahead of the March start. The State is expected to call around 21 witnesses once proceedings begin.
Legal teams for the defendants and the prosecution have been working through procedural matters in recent months, including several previous court hearings and motions relating to the case.

02/10/2026

Fiji Sports Council CEO Refuses to Address NZ Trip Allegations

Fiji Sports Council chief executive Ratu Gilbert Vakalalabure has declined to comment on questions surrounding an alleged misuse of Fiji Sports Council and Fiji Airways contra deals linked to a New Zealand trip last year.
When approached by SUNsports, Vakalalabure directed reporters to speak with his lawyer — who is also his younger brother, Ratu Tevita Tangaroa — saying he had provided all relevant documents and that inquiries should be made through legal channels.
“I have nothing to say,” Vakalalabure told reporters, adding that his lawyer could respond to the matter.
Tangaroa confirmed he received the questions but said he was out of the country at a conference and would address them once he returned.
The controversy surrounds a trip to New Zealand from January 28 to February 5, 2025, which was approved for the purpose of accompanying the Fiji Sports Council’s Under-20 rugby sevens team. There has been particular focus on the approval of a business-class ticket for the spouse of Minister for Sports Jese Saukuru.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has since summoned Minister Saukuru for discussions on the issue. Vakalalabure had previously been investigated by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) but was cleared.

02/10/2026

Mother of Two Left With Nothing After Toorak House Fire, Thankful Her Children Survived

A young mother’s life was turned upside down after an early morning fire destroyed her home in Toorak, leaving her with nothing but the clothes she and her children were wearing.
Sisilia Vulakeibau, 24, says the blaze started suddenly while she was cooking in the kitchen, believed to have been triggered by an electrical fault. The fire spread rapidly, consuming the entire house and giving the family no chance to salvage any possessions.
Sisilia’s relief comes from the fact that her two children – a two-year-old and a one-month-old – escaped unharmed. “It’s hard to lose everything, but I’m so grateful they are safe,” she said.
With nowhere else to go, Sisilia and her children are being sheltered at the Marist Brothers Primary School hall, where they are receiving support from volunteers and neighbours. People from across the community have been dropping off clothes, food and bedding to help the family begin again.
Sisilia admitted that this was her first experience with such a devastating event, describing it as overwhelming but softened by the kindness shown by others.
Those wishing to assist Sisilia and her family can contact 2724727 for information on how to help them during this difficult time.

02/10/2026

Adult Learner Proves It’s Never Too Late to Chase Academic Dreams

Suva, Fiji – Returning to the classroom after many years away from formal education has transformed the life of Reena Ben, proving that age is no barrier to success.
Raised in Toorak, Ms Ben completed her earlier schooling at Nehru Memorial and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High Schools, but modest results left her feeling dissatisfied with her academic record. She went straight into the workforce, taking on office and accounts roles, but soon realised her qualifications limited her career options.
After learning she was too old for standard secondary school enrolment, Ms Ben was referred to the Nabua Matua Secondary School programme, designed to give adults the opportunity to further their education. In 2024, more than two decades after leaving high school, she returned to study and excelled — topping the annual Year 12 examinations and receiving a gold medal for her achievement.
“Many years people remembered that I had not done well in school,” she said, reflecting on her academic turnaround. “Coming back and achieving this result showed me that nothing is impossible if you work hard.”
Encouraged by her success, Ms Ben now plans to pursue a career in primary education. She hopes her journey will inspire other adults, especially women who may feel held back by earlier setbacks, to consider returning to education.
“If you have the ambition and are willing to work hard, you can change your future,” she said.

02/10/2026

02/10/2026