Mereoni Ravudra attributes her family’s miraculous survival to divine intervention after their vehicle plunged into the Vuniyasu River in Nadi due to the sudden collapse of Malakua Bridge on Monday night. At the time, Ms. Ravudra was accompanied by her sister Temalesi, cousin Akanisi Tokovou, and three young relatives, including 15-year-old Jenifer Balebatiti, three-year-old Setaita Ravudra, and one-year-old Alipate Ravudra.
The incident occurred just two meters from the bridge’s end when it unexpectedly gave way, causing their car to crash into the water below. Recalling the terrifying experience, Ms. Ravudra described how the car hit the bridge’s abutment, water rushed in, and she instinctively prioritized protecting the baby. Fortunately, a truck driver nearby came to their aid, breaking the car’s windows to rescue the youngest passengers.
Amidst the chaos, Ms. Ravudra found herself caught in the river’s strong current, but with determination and encouragement from her sisters, she managed to swim to the riverbank. “To be alive today feels like a miracle,” she shared.
Now, the Ravudra family, hailing from Dratabu Village, is calling for immediate action to replace the bridge. Ms. Ravudra expressed concern over the incomplete work initially performed by the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) and contractors, stating that it could have had dire consequences.
Pranilesh Chandra, an advisory counselor for the area, supported the family’s appeals, highlighting that over 2,000 people, including schoolchildren and at least 100 vehicles, depend on this bridge daily. Despite repeated calls for action, he lamented the lack of response from authorities. The bridge’s failure has also interrupted water supply in the vicinity, as the main pipeline ran beneath it.
The situation has raised multiple unanswered questions to Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau regarding the plans for repairs. Meanwhile, police are gathering statements from the Ravudra family to understand the incident’s circumstances further.
This incident underscores the importance of infrastructure safety and maintenance, particularly for structures vital to the daily lives of communities. As the Ravudra family reflects on their harrowing experience, they serve as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability to prevent such occurrences in the future. It is a hope that their story will catalyze a prompt response from the authorities for the safety and well-being of all who rely on the bridge.
This article reveals not just a close call but a call to action, reinforcing the community’s need for safe and reliable infrastructure.
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