Six students from Adi Maopa Secondary School on Vanuabalavu Island in Lau were treated at Lomaloma Hospital, and another was airlifted to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva after a road accident on Monday afternoon.
The students sustained injuries when the three-ton truck they were travelling in veered off the road and tumbled near a hill at Delaivaturua Point, close to Daliconi Village.
Tari Mateyawa, the father of one of the victims, expressed gratitude that his 13-year-old daughter is recovering and in a 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 received a phone call informing me of 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 was rushed to CWM Hospital in Suva.”
Mr. Mateyawa said students sitting with the driver reported hearing a snap from the engine compartment as the vehicle went downhill. The driver attempted to control the carrier by changing gears but was unable to stop the vehicle.
“Luckily, the driver steered the carrier towards a small ditch to stop it. If not, it would have headed straight for the sea,” Mr. Mateyawa said.
“We are thankful the driver was steadfast in his decision or else they would have been lost.”
A Biosecurity Authority of Fiji officer and some villagers who had stopped at a shop near Daliconi Village were among the first responders to the scene. One of the villagers, who preferred not to be named, 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,” the villager said.
One of the major challenges on Vanuabalavu Island is transportation, with only one carrier 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.”
Investigations concerning the accident are currently underway.