A tragic road accident in Lautoka has claimed the life of a 58-year-old man, Sudha Karan, after he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a bus on Kings Highway at Naviyago. Police report that Karan died at the scene, while a passenger riding with him was severely injured and is currently in critical condition at Lautoka Aspen Hospital.
Mr. Karan had recently returned to Fiji from the United States, where he had been living with his wife and two sons for the past 20 years. He was in the country to visit his elderly mother, Vimla Wati, who expressed her grief over the unexpected loss of her son. She recalled their last conversation, where he promised to buy new mattresses for her and celebrate her forthcoming 80th birthday. “He was my only hope… Now all my hope is gone,” she lamented.
This incident has raised concerns about road safety, particularly as it is compounded by a history of tragic accidents in the region. However, recent data offers a glimmer of hope: road fatalities have reportedly decreased this year, with nine deaths recorded compared to 17 during the same timeframe last year. Authorities emphasize the importance of ongoing safety campaigns and community vigilance to continue this positive trend.
As investigations into the circumstances of the crash continue, there remains a pressing need for all drivers to adhere to safety measures and regulations to help prevent such heart-wrenching incidents in the future. This reiterates the critical importance of road safety education and awareness to protect all road users.
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