Six students from Adi Maopa Secondary School on Vanuabalavu Island, Lau, were treated at Lomaloma Hospital following a road accident on Monday afternoon, with another student airlifted to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva.
The students incurred injuries when the three-ton truck they were riding in veered off the road and toppled near a hill at Delaivaturua Point, close to Daliconi Village.
Tari Mateyawa, the father of one of the victims, expressed his relief that his 13-year-old daughter is recovering and in stable condition.
“I am thankful to God that no lives were lost despite the serious injuries the students suffered,” Mr. Mateyawa said.
“I was out fishing when I got the call about the accident, so I rushed home. It was supposed to be the last school drop-off at our village in Daliconi. I believe one of the students was seriously injured and transported to CWM Hospital in Suva.”
Mr. Mateyawa shared that students riding with the driver reported hearing a snap from the engine compartment as the vehicle moved downhill. The driver attempted to control the truck by shifting gears but was unable to stop it.
“Luckily, the driver steered the truck towards a small ditch to stop it. Otherwise, it would have gone straight into the sea,” Mr. Mateyawa said.
“We are thankful the driver made a quick decision, or else they could have been lost.”
A Biosecurity Authority of Fiji officer and some villagers who had stopped at a nearby shop were among the first responders to the scene.
One villager, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted how one of the students ran from the scene seeking help.
“He looked so frightened and lost. We asked him what happened, and that’s when he told us about the accident.”
Transportation is a significant challenge on Vanuabalavu Island, with only one truck servicing all school runs throughout the area.
“Usually, students are home before 4 pm, but due to transportation shortages, they arrive home after 5 pm,” Mr. Mateyawa added.
Investigations concerning the accident are currently underway.