KFC’s Gżira outlet will close temporarily on Thursday (today) evening to honour the memory of Pelin Kaya, marking the first year since her passing.

The announcement was made on social media, stating that the restaurant’s dining area will be closed at 6pm.

“A vigil will be held adjacent to our outlet which we urge the public to attend,” the statement read.

The late Pelin Kaya / Facebook

KFC added that dine-in service will resume once the vigil is concluded.

Ms Kaya, a 30-year-old Turkish national living in Malta, tragically lost her life last year after being hit by a black BMW, driven by Jeremie Camilleri. She was walking by KFC Gżira at Testaferrata Street, when the driver lost control of his vehicle, hit a structure at a nearby petrol station, and crashed into Ms Kaya, together with the restaurant’s glass window.

The driver then proceeded to step out of his car and throw bricks towards the victim, as she laid on the floor on the side of the road. Police tasered him within minutes.

Ms Kaya was taken to hospital right after the incident, yet died shortly after.

Ms Kaya’s family has since spoken out about the incident, and a year on, they expressed faith in the Maltese justice system, and that the accused will be punished in the “harshest” manner.

She was an interior designer, and worked at luxury furnishing company Onepercent Group.