Vilisi Verebasoga from Tavualevu Village is grappling with the sudden loss of her husband, Jope Tuivanuavou, who tragically passed away on Wednesday at the age of 55 in a locomotive accident in Lausa, Tavua. The accident occurred around noon while Mr. Tuivanuavou, along with a co-worker, was transporting sugarcane to the Lautoka Mill. Witnesses reported that the locomotive derailed off the Lausa sugarcane bridge. Mr. Tuivanuavou’s colleague has sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment at Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital.
Ms. Verebasoga described her husband as a devoted individual and the senior pastor of the Fiji Evangelical Church’s Tavua branch. “I was at home when one of the workers called to inform me about the incident, and it hit me hard. Despite the pain, I find solace in my faith,” she shared. She mentioned that she had a sense of foreboding and had fasted for a week prior to the tragedy, feeling she was being prepared for something significant.
Reflecting on their last moments together, Ms. Verebasoga recalled that after a prayer meeting on Tuesday night, her husband had invited group members to stay over. “On Wednesday, I woke him up for prayer, as I felt something might happen. After our prayers, he had breakfast, hugged me, and left for work. Those were our last words to each other,” she said.
She also revealed that earlier that week, her husband had spoken with their children in New Zealand, Kadavu, and those at home, encouraging them to take care of themselves. The family is struggling to cope with the loss of a man who was known for his humility and care.
Ms. Verebasoga finds comfort in her faith, citing Proverbs 19:21, which states, “We may have many plans, but God’s will prevails.” She expresses acceptance of the situation, acknowledging that her husband is now in God’s hands.
Funeral plans will proceed following Mr. Tuivanuavou’s post-mortem examination, with family members from New Zealand expected to arrive next week for the ceremony. He is survived by his wife, eight children, and four grandchildren.