Three Virgin Australia flight attendants have been separated and confined to their hotel rooms at the airline’s layover hotel in Fiji following what the carrier described as a ‘serious security incident’ that occurred on New Year’s Eve.
Local media report that police are investigating allegations that the flight attendants were victims of theft and serious sexual assault after a night of clubbing in the Martintar, Nadi region of Fiji.
Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew told the Fiji Sun that a formal investigation had been launched and encouraged any witnesses to come forward.
“We confirm police are investigating the Australian airline crew case as they were victims of theft and of allegations of rape after clubbing,” Chew was quoted as saying.
Virgin Australia is sending out its own investigative team to Fiji, who will also support the crew members involved. The airline has already arranged for family members of the victims to fly out to Fiji to be with their loved ones.
“I’m sorry to advise of a serious security incident which affected a number of crew in Nadi, Fiji, on Tuesday evening,” commented Virgin Australia’s chief operating officer, Stuart Aggs, on New Year’s Day.
“Our immediate priority is to look after the wellbeing of our crew involved and make sure they are supported. The safety and welfare of our people is our number one priority,” Aggs continued.
