A family’s aspirations to send their daughter to Australia for her studies have been tragically cut short following a fatal accident in Lautoka early Sunday morning. Vani Ratudradra, who planned to reunite with her twin sister later this year, lost her life in the crash, which involved four other individuals.
The unexpected loss has left her family reeling as they come to terms with the sudden tragedy that has shattered their hopes for Vani’s future. According to police spokesperson Ana Naisoro, Ms. Ratudradra was one of four passengers in the vehicle.
“The vehicle, driven by a 24-year-old, was traveling along Queens Road near Navutu when it is alleged that the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and crash into a post,” Ms. Naisoro stated. “She died at the scene, while the driver and three others were taken to Lautoka Aspen Hospital, where they are in serious condition.”
Ms. Ratudradra’s brother, Sela, received a call shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday informing him that his two sisters had been involved in an accident in Navutu, Lautoka. “I immediately rushed to the scene. I couldn’t focus on the crowd, the police, or fire officers; I only wanted to save my sister and get her to the hospital,” he shared.
Sela detailed that just last month, Vani had been discharged from the hospital after a serious illness. “That’s why I wanted to save her,” he said, noting that two of his sisters were passengers in the vehicle. “Vani died, and another sister is still in the Trauma Ward at the Lautoka Hospital.”
The family members were returning from a 21st birthday celebration when the tragedy struck. “After her discharge from the hospital, we always made sure to take good care of her, and a family member had to accompany her wherever she went. She was with one of our sisters and some friends from the area,” Sela explained.
Ms. Ratudradra was a former student of Jasper Williams High School and was due to join her twin sister, who is currently studying in Australia, at the end of this year. The twins were the youngest of eight siblings. Their mother, Losalini Ratudradra, remains in shock following the incident.
The three other passengers and Ms. Ratudradra were supposed to participate in their youth church service (Mataveitokani) at their church in Natabua the following day. Ms. Naisoro confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the accident. The national road death toll currently stands at 42, compared to 63 during the same period last year.