The tragic accident that resulted in the deaths of two young individuals, Pisawaqa Sirovoama, 20, and Meri Nadaba, 25, has left their families and friends in shock and heightened the road fatality statistics in the region. The incident occurred early Saturday morning around 2 AM on the Queens Highway in Kulukulu Sigatoka. Reports indicate that the driver, suspected of being heavily intoxicated, lost control of the vehicle, veering off the road and crashing into an electric power pole.
In total, there were four passengers in the vehicle: two females and two males. Police have confirmed that two individuals succumbed to their injuries, while one remains hospitalized at Aspen Hospital and another has since been discharged.
Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana, directing the Traffic and Transport Control, expressed his sorrow over the occurrence of two fatal accidents within a 24-hour period over the weekend. He urged drivers to act responsibly, emphasizing the importance of considering the safety of passengers and pedestrians.
Mereani Qarikau, a close friend of Meri Nadaba, expressed her disbelief upon learning about the tragedy, revealing their last conversation occurred just the previous evening as they exchanged messages after attending a party together. “She is such a lovely lady with a beautiful heart. Our workplace will no longer be the same without her,” Qarikau reflected, highlighting the depth of their friendship.
Rosi Tagilala, a relative of the victims, conveyed the family’s profound grief, remarking that the news of their deaths has left them in shock. She noted the connection between the two, as they were first cousins hailing from Bua, Vanua Levu.
This unfortunate incident brings the road death toll to 61 this year, a decrease compared to 76 fatalities during the same timeframe last year, showcasing the ongoing concern for road safety in the area.
As the community mourns the loss of these young lives, it serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the impact that a moment of negligence can have on families and friends. There is hope that continued efforts from law enforcement and local authorities will help improve the situation on the roads, encouraging more drivers to prioritize safety and responsibility.
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