Man killed in freak hit-and-run accident

Police are trying to track down the driver of a white pick-up van which caused the death of a 42-year-old man, probably accidentally, during a family dispute.

Joe Grima from Xewkija was killed while he was involved in a tussle with a relative near the former heliport in Mġarr road, Għajnsielem, one of the busiest thoroughfares in Gozo, police sources said.

The victim was walking with his wife at around 1.30 p.m. when a 48-year-old relative emerged from a car. The two men then started fighting, according to police sources.

In a tragic turn of events, Mr Grima ended up in the middle of the road in the path of a vehicle which ran him over. The driver of the vehicle, which according to witnesses was a white pick-up van, continued on its journey.

The victim was rushed to Gozo's hospital but he died shortly afterwards. Police do not believe the driver who caused the death had any connection with the argument.

According to the sources, inspections on vehicles on the island have already started in an attempt to identify the driver. Police are also keeping a close eye on vehicles boarding the Gozo ferry. In the meantime, the relative of the victim is being questioned by police.