Six students from Adi Maopa Secondary School on Vanuabalavu Island in Lau received treatment at Lomaloma Hospital, and one was airlifted to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva following a road accident on Monday afternoon.
The incident occurred when the three-ton truck they were traveling 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 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 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 truck by changing gears but was unable to stop it.
“Luckily, the driver steered the truck 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.”
One of the first responders to the scene was a Biosecurity Authority of Fiji officer, along with some villagers who had stopped at a shop near Daliconi Village.
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.”
One of the major challenges on Vanuabalavu Island is transportation, 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.”
Investigations concerning the accident are currently underway.