Vilisi Verebasoga from Tavualevu Village is grappling with the unexpected loss of her husband, Jope Tuivanuavou, 55, who was killed in a locomotive accident in Lausa, Tavua at noon on Wednesday. His colleague is currently receiving treatment for serious injuries at Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital.
The tragic incident occurred while the men were transporting sugarcane to the Lautoka Mill, with eyewitnesses reporting that the locomotive derailed off the sugarcane bridge.
“My late husband was a devoted man of God and served as the senior pastor for the Fiji Evangelical Church Tavua branch,” Ms. Verebasoga said. “I was at home when a worker informed me of the accident, and it hit me hard. Despite this tragedy, I remain grateful to God. I believe He had been showing me signs, which led me to fast for a week.”
She recounted their last moments together, stating that after their prayer meeting on Tuesday night, her husband invited group members to spend the night with them. “On Wednesday, I woke him for prayer because I sensed something was off. After our prayer, he had breakfast, hugged me, and left for work. That was our final goodbye.”
Ms. Verebasoga noted that earlier in the week, her husband had spoken to their children in New Zealand and Kadavu, advising them to take care of themselves.
“Our children are struggling with his sudden passing as he was a humble, caring, healthy family man. While we miss him dearly, I am thankful because Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, ‘We may have many plans, but God’s will prevails.’ I understand this is God’s will and I am at peace knowing he is in the Lord’s hands.”
Funeral arrangements will be finalized following Mr. Tuivanuavou’s post-mortem examination, with relatives from New Zealand expected to arrive next week, potentially coordinating the funeral at that time. He is survived by his wife, eight children, and four grandchildren.