Thirteen students sought medical attention at Vunidawa Hospital following an accident in Navuniyasi, Naitasiri, yesterday morning. The incident occurred when the driver of a carrier reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, which tragically affected students on their way to take their annual examinations.
Reports suggest that a cow was killed as the carrier went off course. The Ministry of Education could not be contacted for immediate comments; however, the incident has sparked renewed concerns regarding the safety of school children, particularly those in rural areas and on maritime islands, who depend on carriers for their daily commute to school.
This is not an isolated event. Earlier in July, a similar accident involving a rural service license (RSL) carrier carrying 11 students from Adi Maopa Secondary School in Vanuabalavu occurred when the vehicle lost control and fell down a hill near Daliconi Village, resulting in six students receiving treatment for injuries at Lomaloma Hospital.
In light of these incidents, it becomes imperative for relevant authorities and community stakeholders to prioritize the safety of students during transportation, addressing any potential hazards to ensure secure school journeys.
While the situation reflects significant challenges, it also highlights the ongoing conversation around transportation safety measures, potentially paving the way for improvements that can protect students better in the future.
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