A family’s aspirations of sending their daughter to study in Australia came to a tragic halt after a fatal accident in Lautoka early Sunday morning. Vani Ratudradra, who was poised to reunite with her twin sister later this year, lost her life in the collision that involved four other individuals.
The devastating news has left her family reeling as they confront the swift loss that has shattered their hopes for Vani’s future. According to police spokesperson Ana Naisoro, Ms. Ratudradra was one of four passengers in a car driven by a 24-year-old when the driver reportedly lost control near Navutu on Queens Road, causing the vehicle to crash into a post.
“She died at the scene, while the driver and three others were transported to Lautoka Aspen Hospital with serious injuries,” Naisoro stated.
Ms. Ratudradra’s brother, Sela, recounted receiving the distressing news shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday, prompting him to rush to the accident site. “I immediately went there. I couldn’t focus on the crowd or the police and fire officers; I just wanted to save my sister and get her to the hospital,” he expressed.
He revealed that Vani had recently been discharged from the hospital after a serious illness. “That was why I tried to save her,” he added. Two of her sisters were also passengers in the vehicle, with one still receiving treatment in the Trauma Ward at Lautoka Hospital.
The family members were returning from a 21st birthday celebration when the accident occurred. “After she was discharged, we made sure to take good care of her and have a family member accompany her wherever she went. She was with one of our sisters and some friends,” Sela noted.
Vani Ratudradra was a former student of Jasper Williams High School and was set to join her twin sister, currently studying in Australia, at the end of this year. They were the youngest of eight siblings, and their mother, Losalini Ratudradra, remains in shock over the loss.
The three other passengers, along with Vani, were expected to participate in their youth church service at their church in Natabua on Sunday. Naisoro confirmed that investigations into the accident are ongoing to determine its cause. The national road death toll currently stands at 42, a decrease from 63 during the same period last year.