‘A matter of life or death’: Refugee seriously injured after Nauru road crash

A refugee living in Australia's offshore detention centre on Nauru has been seriously injured in a motorbike crash, on the same road where another refugee was killed earlier this month.

The 28-year-old Rohingyan refugee was hospitalised after colliding with another motorcycle yesterday afternoon.

"The department can confirm a refugee in Nauru was involved in a motorcycle accident," an immigration spokesperson said.

"The refugee is receiving appropriate medical care. Further questions should be directed to the Government of Nauru."

Ian Rintoul from the Refugee Action Coalition holds grave fears for the man's life, while other refugees on the island don't believe Nauru is equipped to perform the brain surgery required.

Mr Rintoul said no arrangements have been made for the man to be medically evacuated for treatment.

"He needs urgent surgery; any delay could be a matter of life or death," he said today.

A 29-year-old Bangladeshi man was killed on November 2 after the motorcycle he was travelling on collided with another vehicle.

Nauruan authorities have been contacted for comment.