Vilisi Verebasoga from Tavualevu Village is grappling with the unexpected loss of her husband, Jope Tuivanuavou, who died in a locomotive accident on Wednesday at noon in Lausa, Tavua. Tuivanuavou, 55, perished instantly, while a colleague was seriously injured and has been hospitalized at Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital.
The two men were transporting sugarcane to the Lautoka Mill when the locomotive reportedly derailed off the Lausa sugarcane bridge, according to eyewitness accounts.
Ms. Verebasoga described her husband as an obedient man of God and the senior pastor at the Fiji Evangelical Church’s Tavua branch. She recounted receiving the tragic news while at home. Despite her grief, she expressed gratitude to God, stating that she felt prepared for this event through a week of fasting and spiritual signs she interpreted as guidance from God.
She reminisced about their last moments together, highlighting that after a prayer meeting the previous night, Tuivanuavou invited group members to stay at their home. On the morning of the accident, she awoke him for prayer, feeling a sense of foreboding. After their final breakfast and farewell, he left for work.
Earlier in the week, Tuivanuavou had reached out to their children in New Zealand, Kadavu, and those at home, urging them to take care of themselves. Ms. Verebasoga noted that their children are struggling with the sudden loss, describing him as a humble, caring family man.
She quoted Proverbs 19:21, saying, “We may have many plans, but God’s will prevails,” and emphasized her peace in accepting her husband’s death as part of God’s will.
Funeral arrangements are pending the completion of Mr. Tuivanuavou’s post-mortem examination, with relatives from New Zealand expected to arrive next week. He leaves behind his wife, eight children, and four grandchildren.