Two families are in deep mourning following a tragic accident on Bau Road in Nausori, resulting in the untimely deaths of Osea Naitutu, 32, and his cousin Iowane Tabu, 46. According to reports, the men were struck by a vehicle driven by a 17-year-old boy who was allegedly unlicensed and driving a government vehicle without parental permission.
Witness accounts indicate that Naitutu and Tabu were standing by the roadside when the vehicle struck them. The young driver, who has not been named, reportedly took the car keys while his father, who is identified as the designated driver of the vehicle, was asleep at home. After the accident, the teenager drove away but later communicated with his father, who notified the police.
Tabu leaves behind a devastated wife and children. His wife, Ana Tinai Savumaca, expressed her heartache, saying, “My children won’t see their father again. He was our main supporter. I am sick and can’t work. The children are still in school – how will we go on?” Their daughter, Laisa Megan, sobbed, “I miss my father. I will never see his face again for the rest of my life.”
As the families come to terms with their loss, they question how such an event could occur. Relatives, including Tabu’s cousin Miriama Vasa, emphasize the need for accountability, saying, “This should never have happened. The Government needs to act. We want justice for Iowane.”
This tragic incident has prompted a broader conversation about road safety and the responsibilities of guardians concerning unlicensed drivers. Similar accidents have occurred recently, highlighting an urgent need for increased awareness and education regarding road safety practices—especially among minors. The police are currently conducting investigations to clarify the circumstances surrounding the accident.
This heartbreaking event serves as a crucial reminder of the profound impact of reckless driving and underscores the importance of responsible behavior behind the wheel. The hope remains that such tragedies can lead to discussions and necessary changes in policies to enforce stricter rules around young, unlicensed drivers, ultimately fostering safer driving habits within the community.
Leave a comment