A man believed to be in his 40s who was a passenger in a truck has passed away following a motor vehicle accident along the Queens Highway near Naboutini in Serua.

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene and police are still searching for him.

The truck which was loaded with sand was heading towards Sigatoka when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle resulting in the accident.

The second passenger has been transferred to the Lautoka Hospital and is admitted in critical condition.

The road death toll currently stands at 45 compared to 59 for the same period last year.