Parents and educators at Naitasiri High School are urging the government to intervene in improving the safety and reliability of student transport, following an alarming accident that nearly endangered the lives of 18 high school students and two parents.
Semi Tamanivalu, whose child faced a similar incident last year, highlighted the urgent need for better transport solutions for children, particularly those in the highland areas. He pointed out that this crash marks the second occurrence involving the same transport provider, which services six villages in Naitasiri.
Just last week, another mishap took place when students were being transported to school in the same vehicle. Vatiri Dimoala Lutua, a passenger during the recent accident, recounted the horrific scene filled with blood and the cries of her fellow students.
“The students were looking forward to another routine day at school, with Year 11 students excited to finish their final annual paper,” she shared. “However, the trauma of the accident remains vivid in my memory, especially with one senior student being rushed to Colonial War Memorial Hospital.”
Lutua recalled the overwhelming sensation of fear and helplessness, yet found the strength within her to assist other students injured in the accident. “I vividly remember struggling to lift a spare tire off one student’s leg,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking to witness such suffering, especially since many of these students had injuries from last year’s similar incident. I genuinely hope we have seen the last of these accidents.”
This ongoing issue underscores the importance of prioritizing student safety and investing in reliable transportation systems to prevent future tragedies. The community’s call for action reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding the well-being of students, paving the way for constructive dialogue with authorities.
In summary, the plea from parents and teachers highlights an urgent need for transport reform to enhance safety measures, ensuring students can look forward to their school days without the threat of danger. The hope is for lasting change that prevents further incidents, promotes safe travel, and allows students to focus on their education.
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