Thirteen students were treated at Vunidawa Hospital following an accident in Navuniyasi, Naitasiri, yesterday morning. Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, stated that the driver lost control of the carrier, which veered off the road, leading to the incident.
Details about the accident are limited as the police continue their investigation. The students were reportedly en route to their annual examinations when the accident occurred. Tragically, a cow was also killed when the vehicle veered off the road.
While the Ministry of Education was unavailable for comment, the accident has raised alarm over the safety of school children, particularly those in rural and maritime areas who frequently travel by carriers to attend school. This incident follows a similar occurrence in July when a rural service license carrier carrying 11 students from Adi Maopa Secondary School in Vanuabalavu lost control, tumbling down a hill and resulting in six students receiving treatment at Lomaloma Hospital.
It is crucial for authorities to address the safety of transportation for school children, especially in rural regions. Taking proactive measures could enhance safety protocols to prevent such accidents in the future and ensure that students can travel securely to access their education.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety, crisis preparedness, and the need for improved regulations concerning student transportation. Collaborative efforts between the education sector and law enforcement may help enhance safety measures, ensuring a safer environment for students.
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