Fundraiser for hit-and-run victim hits over €15,000

A fundraiser for a food courier killed in a hit-and-run on Sunday has raised over €15,000, just a day after the incident.

Khim Bahadur Pun, 42, from Nepal, was carrying his Wolt delivery bag when his motorcycle was hit in  Birkirkara at 5.25am.

An underage driver, who was arrested after fleeing the scene, is to be arraigned on Monday in connection with the crash. 

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) said there had been "huge support" for a fundraiser it set up to help the father-of-three's family and to cover the funeral costs in Nepal. 

The Nepalese community said there has been a "huge" response to a fundraiser. Photo: Go Fund Me

By Monday 4pm, the appeal had reached €15,900.

“Seeing this huge support towards the GoFundMe page for Khim shows the kindness and solidarity not only within our own Nepali community, but also from the Maltese and other friends around us,” the NRNA president, Rems Khanal, told Times of Malta. 

“It proves that in times of sorrow, people come together with compassion, and this belief in helping one another keeps our community strong and united.”

Khanal said the expenses to repatriate the body will also be covered by WT Global, a cab driver company who employed Pun.

A vigil was held on Sunday evening, near the crash site, where Nepalese nationals lit candles and prayed for the 18th person to die on Malta's roads this year.

Among the tributes to the food courier, who moved to Malta three years ago, was one from fast-food chain Chubbz Burger Bar, who described Pun as "kind and familiar face" who regularly picked up orders from the restaurant. 

"We are heartbroken by the tragic accident that took his life this morning," the post read, describing Pun as someone who was part of their "daily rhythm" and "always on the move" to help keep the establishment connected to its customers.

"Let this be a reminder to take care on the roads, whether driving, riding or walking. Respect each other, slow down, and stay aware."

Khanal described the Nepalese community as "one big family", and said the loss of Pun had deeply affected them all. He said he was deeply moved and grateful to see such "overwhelming" support for Pun.

"This generosity not only reflects the kindness and compassion of people here in Malta and beyond, but also gives strength and hope to Khim's family during this incredibly difficult time. It's a powerful reminder that humanity transcends borders, and when we come together, we can truly make a difference."

A 17-year-old from Qormi was taken to court on Monday afternoon. 

The motorist was driving his father's Maserati Levante when the crash happened at 5.20am in Psaila Street, Sta Venera. He was arrested several hours later, along with an 18-year-old passenger who also ran away from the scene. 

A third passenger, an 18-year-old woman also from Qormi, was arrested minutes after the crash, close to the scene of the crash, having suffered injuries.