A family’s aspirations to send their daughter to Australia for her education have been tragically shattered after a fatal accident in Lautoka early on Sunday morning. Vani Ratudradra, who was set to reunite with her twin sister later this year, lost her life in the collision, which involved four other individuals.
The devastating news has left the family in disbelief as they cope with this unexpected tragedy, which has hindered their hopes for Vani’s future. According to police spokesperson Ana Naisoro, Ms. Ratudradra was one of four passengers in a vehicle.
“The vehicle was being driven by a 24-year-old along Queens Road near Navutu when it is alleged the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and crash into a post,” Ms. Naisoro stated. “She died at the scene, while the driver and three other passengers were transported to Lautoka Aspen Hospital in serious condition.”
Sela, Ms. Ratudradra’s brother, recounted receiving a call shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday informing him that his sisters had been involved in an accident. “I immediately went there. I couldn’t focus on the crowd of police and fire officers; I just wanted to save my sister and rush her to the hospital,” he said.
He shared that Vani had recently been released from the hospital after a serious illness, which made him more determined to help her. Two of her sisters were also passengers in the vehicle. “Vani died, and another sister is still in the Trauma Ward at Lautoka Hospital,” he reported.
The siblings were returning from a 21st birthday celebration. “After her hospitalization, we made sure to take good care of her, and a family member accompanied her wherever she went. She was with one of our sisters and some friends from the area,” he added.
Vani was a former student of Jasper Williams High School and was planning to join her twin sister, who is studying in Australia, at the end of this year. The twins were the youngest of eight siblings. Their mother, Losalini Ratudradra, is still struggling to come to terms with the loss.
The three other passengers, along with Vani, were slated to participate in their church’s youth service on Sunday at their church in Natabua. Ms. Naisoro reported that the investigation into the accident is ongoing to determine its cause. So far, the national road death toll stands at 42, a decrease compared to 63 for the same period last year.