A year has passed since a mother, Sunita Wati, lost her daughter, Kamal Kavita Kumar, in a tragic Ferris wheel accident at the Fiji Showcase event, and she is still awaiting justice. Kamal, aged 21, died on June 30 last year at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital from injuries sustained in the fall.
Ms Wati has been praying daily for those responsible for her daughter’s death to be held accountable. Her grief was compounded by the loss of her husband just a few months later, making life unbearable for the family in Dilkusha, Nausori. Ms Wati believes that her husband’s silent suffering over their daughter’s death led to his demise.
“I pray justice will prevail. I won’t stop seeking answers,” Ms Wati said through tears. “I just want justice for my daughter.”
Two other individuals who were sharing the same seat with Kamal during the incident were also seriously injured. The investigation into the accident has involved the police, Ministry of Employment, Ministry of Public Works, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), but a year on, no charges have been made.
Last month, the ODPP disclosed that they had sent recommendations to the Director of CID and the Ministry of Employment on January 4, 2024. These recommendations included a request for the police to complete their parallel investigation and submit the file for further evidence analysis. The ODPP is still waiting for a full report and completed investigation from the police. It is understood that the owner of the Ferris wheel company left the country after the incident.
Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua expressed his understanding of the family’s concern and pledged to ensure necessary action would be taken. “I need to follow through with CID and find out the progress of the investigation,” he said. “I understand the family’s concern and will discuss it with the Police Commissioner.”
Since the tragedy, event and festival organizers have decided to exclude Ferris wheels from their events to prioritize the safety and well-being of attendees.
At her home in Dilkusha, Nausori, Ms Wati struggles to come to terms with the loss of her youngest child. Despite her ongoing pain, she remains determined to be strong for her other children and grandchildren. “I don’t need money, I just want justice for my daughter. That’s it,” she said. Komal, she reminisced, loved make-up and dressing up.
Officers visited Ms Wati last month but provided no substantial updates on the investigation. “She would have been here today, married and fulfilling her dreams, but she’s gone,” Ms Wati lamented.