The Fijian government clarified that three Virgin Australia crew members involved in an alleged sexual assault and theft during a New Year’s Day layover are not being detained, contrary to international media reports. The crew members are reportedly in good health and accommodated at a local hotel, the standard accommodation for Virgin Australia crew when landing over for a layover, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka. They have been instructed by headquarters to stay in the vicinity of the hotel, in case the police require access to them, he said. The crew is expected to be back home by the end of the week.
The Fijian police are investigating two incidents involving the Virgin crew in the early hours of New Year’s Day in the city of Nadi. According to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the woman crew member was allegedly sexually assaulted, and another male crew member was allegedly victimized by theft outside a nightclub known as Bar One. The outlet has not made any comment available.
Virgin Australia responded by flying out additional staff to operate the return flight, with the involved crew members not taking part in the flight. The Fiji police and Bar One nightclub have not issued any statements regarding the ongoing investigations.
Virgin Australia is keeping mum over the issue while Fiji authorities remain very busy pursuing leads into these events, engaging and getting assistance from the airline staff and flight members as it navigates this debacle.
