A 20-year-old Maltese driver is expected to face criminal charges in the coming weeks over the fatal collision that claimed the life of 24-year-old Nepalese national Gauri Kumari Baral earlier this year in Fgura.
Baral, who had moved to Malta in December 2022 and was employed in the catering industry, died five days after being struck by a Toyota Hilux pick-up on Hompesch Road on 6th January. She was walking with another Nepalese woman, aged 34, who sustained grievous injuries but survived.
The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Malta confirmed Baral’s identity shortly after her death, saying the tragedy sent “shockwaves” through the Nepalese community across Malta and Gozo.
The case, led by Magistrate Ian Farrugia, has since been concluded at the investigative stage. Police confirmed that charges have been filed, and the driver will face court proceedings on allegations of dangerous driving causing death and grievous bodily harm.
Meanwhile, Baral’s family in Nepal say they have received limited information about the case. Her brother, Bimal, told local media that the family has been left in the dark for months, learning about the charges only through the press.
“All we want is justice for Gauri,” he said, adding that their mother remains deeply affected by the loss of her only daughter.
Bimal explained that he had taken a loan to fund his sister’s education, which she was helping repay with her earnings from Malta. The family is now facing financial hardship following her death.
The Nepalese consul in Malta, Johnaton Abela, together with Rems Khanal from the NRNA and the Nepalese embassy in Spain, is assisting the family and has requested updates from Maltese authorities. However, the Attorney General’s office has so far withheld details, citing ongoing legal restrictions.
A fundraising campaign on GoFundMe raised €9,733 to cover the cost of repatriating Baral’s body to Nepal, where she was laid to rest earlier this year.
Baral’s death has underscored concerns about road safety and migrant welfare in Malta, with the Nepalese community calling for greater transparency and justice as the case heads to court in November.
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