A family’s dreams for their daughter’s education in Australia have been shattered following a tragic accident in Lautoka early Sunday morning. Vani Ratudradra, who was planning to join her twin sister later this year, lost her life in the incident, which also involved three other individuals.
The family is in shock as they deal with the unexpected loss of Vani, which has left their aspirations for her future in tatters. According to police spokesperson Ana Naisoro, Vani was one of four passengers in a vehicle that was traveling along Queens Road near Navutu. It is reported that the 24-year-old driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and crash into a post.
Vani succumbed to her injuries at the scene, while the driver and the other three passengers were taken to Lautoka Aspen Hospital, where they are in serious condition. Vani’s brother, Sela, recounted receiving a call shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday informing him of the accident involving his two sisters.
“I rushed to the scene without paying attention to the crowd, police, and fire officers. I just wanted to save my sister and take her to the hospital,” he said. He noted that Vani had only recently been discharged from the hospital after a serious illness, which heightened his urgency to help her.
According to Sela, two of his sisters were in the vehicle during the accident, resulting in Vani’s death while another sister remains in the Trauma Ward at Lautoka Hospital. The family members were returning from a 21st birthday celebration.
Sela explained that they had been particularly cautious after Vani’s recent health issues and ensured that a family member accompanied her wherever she went. A former student of Jasper Williams High School, Vani was set to join her twin sister, who is currently studying in Australia, at the end of the year. She is the youngest of eight siblings, and her mother, Losalini Ratudradra, is still reeling from the tragedy.
The family had planned to attend their church’s youth service (Mataveitokani) that day. Ms. Naisoro confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the accident. The national road death toll now stands at 42, a decrease from 63 at the same time last year.