Deputy Police Commissioner Edmond Sikua confirmed this report in his weekly police media conference.

"We received a report that five people were killed in a road accident, on Malaita. A vehicle was travelling to Auki along the Fulo road, and a coconut tree fell on the vehicle, which instantly killed three people. Two were later pronounced dead at the Kilu'ufi Hospital."

An eyewitness said that the tragedy has left many stunned. "It's just so sudden, three teachers a child and a pregnant woman who was going to the clinic," said the eyewitness.