The family of a child who tragically lost their life following an incident at a high school in Lautoka is grappling with profound grief. The distressing event occurred last week when a sliding gate reportedly collapsed on the child, leading to fatal injuries. Sainimere Damuni, the bereaved mother, shared that her family is struggling to cope and is taking each day as it comes during this challenging time. While no police complaint has been made by the family, an investigation is actively being conducted by the authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Her husband, Sunia Damuni, recounted that the incident unfolded during their usual afternoon activities. He expressed that the gate, which had been in operation for over two years and used by both staff and students, was presumed to be compliant with safety standards. However, post-incident reports from gate users suggest that the gate might not have met those standards.
Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, has extended his condolences to the family and underscored the importance of student safety across educational institutions. Radrodro called for schools to adopt proactive measures to safeguard students, stressing the recent tragic accident as a poignant reminder for vigilance. The Ministry of Education is urging regular safety inspections and ensuring that emergency procedures are well understood by both school staff and students.
This tragic incident adds to a series of unfortunate accidents involving children in Fiji, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety measures. Previous similar cases have tragically underscored the vulnerabilities faced by young children, both in school environments and beyond. Communities, along with organizations such as Save the Children Fiji, are calling for thorough investigations and rigorous safety protocols to prevent further tragedies.
The shared responsibility for child safety falls on parents, educators, and the community at large. This incident should catalyze enhancements in safety protocols, ensuring that every child is secure in spaces meant for learning and growth. While the loss of young lives is often a deeply felt tragedy, it also represents an opportunity for communities to rally together to implement positive changes and reinforce the safety nets protecting their youngest members.
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