Thirteen students were treated at Vunidawa Hospital after an accident in Navuniyasi, Naitasiri, which occurred yesterday morning. The driver of the carrier reportedly lost control, causing it to veer off the road. The students were en route to their annual exams at the time of the incident.
While details surrounding the accident remain limited, the police are actively investigating the situation. Tragically, it appears that a cow was killed when the vehicle veered off the road.
Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of school children, particularly in rural areas and on maritime islands where students frequently rely on carrier vehicles for transportation to school. The Ministry of Education was unavailable for comment regarding the incident.
In a related incident in July, another accident involving a rural service license carrier transporting 11 students from Adi Maopa Secondary School in Vanuabalavu resulted in injuries to six students, as the vehicle lost control and rolled down a hill.
This series of accidents highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures for student transportation in these areas. Ensuring safe travel for school children is crucial to their well-being and academic success. As investigations continue, it is hoped that this incident will prompt authorities to implement more stringent regulations and safety protocols for carriers transporting students.
In summary, while the accidents are unfortunate, they shine a light on necessary changes that can be made to enhance student safety during their journeys to school.
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