Vilisi Verebasoga of Tavualevu Village is grappling with the profound loss of her husband, Jope Tuivanuavou, 55, who tragically died in a locomotive accident in Lausa, Tavua at noon on Wednesday. The accident occurred while Tuivanuavou and his coworker were transporting sugarcane to the Lautoka Mill. Reports indicate that the locomotive derailed from the Lausa sugarcane bridge, leading to Tuivanuavou’s instant death, while his colleague is currently hospitalized with serious injuries at the Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital.
Ms. Verebasoga described her husband as a devoted man of God and the senior pastor of the Fiji Evangelical Church’s Tavua branch. “I was at home when one of the workers called me to inform me of the incident; it hit me hard. Despite this tragedy, I give thanks to God. He had been preparing me for this through signs, leading me to fast for a week.”
She recounted their final moments, noting that after a prayer meeting on Tuesday night, Tuivanuavou had invited the group to stay overnight at their home. On Wednesday morning, she woke him to pray, sensing something might happen. After their prayer, he enjoyed breakfast and shared a hug before heading to work, marking their last conversation.
Earlier that week, Tuivanuavou had reached out to their children in New Zealand, Kadavu, and those living at home to encourage them to take care of themselves. Ms. Verebasoga expressed that their children are struggling to accept their father’s sudden passing, describing him as humble, caring, and a dedicated family man.
“Though we miss him dearly, I find solace in Proverbs 19:21, which states, ‘We may have many plans, but God’s will prevails.’ I know this is His will, and while it is difficult, I find peace knowing he is in the Lord’s hands,” she said.
Funeral arrangements will be organized following Mr. Tuivanuavou’s post-mortem examination. Ms. Verebasoga mentioned that relatives from New Zealand are expected to arrive next week, potentially allowing for the funeral to take place then. Mr. Tuivanuavou leaves behind his wife, eight children, and four grandchildren.