The villagers of Dreketilailai in Labasa are mourning the tragic loss of 27-year-old Manoa Tugi, who died following a workplace incident at Wainibokasi, Nausori. Tugi was employed by the Ministry of Fisheries and sustained severe injuries when an empty diving gas tank exploded while a co-worker was cutting it with a grinder. The explosion resulted in debris striking Tugi, leading to his untimely death.
According to police reports, both Tugi and his co-worker were rushed to the Wainibokasi Health Centre before being transferred to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital for further treatment. Unfortunately, Tugi succumbed to his injuries later.
Vani Lewalevu, Tugi’s aunt, expressed her heartbreak, describing him as a kind-hearted individual who was always willing to contribute to his community. She noted that she took care of him since he was 13 years old after the death of his father, and he was a source of financial support for his mother while living in Suva. Lewalevu highlighted that Tugi was excited about participating in community events and showed spirit in his pursuits, marking a significant loss for the family.
She emphasized the importance of workplace safety, urging for a thorough investigation to ensure that such incidents do not occur again. “Workplaces are supposed to be safe, and I hope a proper investigation can be conducted,” Lewalevu remarked.
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Fisheries has announced that it will conduct its own investigation. Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and stated that they would await the results of the investigation before taking further actions.
This tragic event underscores not only the risks associated with handling hazardous materials but also highlights the need for stringent safety practices in workplaces to protect employees. Recent incidents, including another workplace explosion that occurred in Nadi, have raised concerns about safety standards in various sectors, prompting calls for improvement.
As the investigation unfolds, there is a hope that implementing new safety measures will prevent future workplace accidents, ensuring that workers can perform their duties in a secure environment.
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