A family’s dream of sending their daughter to Australia for her education has been shattered by a tragic accident in Lautoka early Sunday morning. Vani Ratudradra, who was supposed to join her twin sister later this year, lost her life in the crash that involved four other people.
The family is reeling from the unexpected loss, which has left them devastated as they come to terms with the tragedy that has disrupted Vani’s future. According to police spokesperson Ana Naisoro, Ms. Ratudradra was one of four passengers in a vehicle that was being driven by a 24-year-old. The driver reportedly lost control on the Queens Road near Navutu, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and crash into a post. Vani died at the scene, while the driver and three others were taken to Lautoka Aspen Hospital with serious injuries.
Vani’s brother, Sela, received a call just after 1 AM on Sunday informing him that his sisters had been involved in an accident. He rushed to the scene, focused solely on trying to save his sister in the midst of the chaos. “Last month she was discharged from the hospital after being very ill. That was why I tried to save her,” he said, revealing that two of his sisters were passengers in the vehicle.
While Vani tragically lost her life, another sister remains in the trauma ward at Lautoka Hospital. The family had been returning from a 21st birthday celebration, and they had always ensured that Vani received proper care following her recent illness, with family members accompanying her wherever she went.
Vani was a former student of Jasper Williams High School and was scheduled to meet her twin sister, who is currently studying in Australia, at the end of the year. The twins are the youngest of eight siblings. Their mother, Losalini Ratudradra, is still in shock over the loss.
The three passengers and Vani were expected to attend a youth church service at their church in Natabua the following day. Naisoro confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident. As of now, the national road death toll stands at 42, a slight decrease compared to 63 for the same period last year.