Vilisi Verebasoga from Tavualevu Village reflects on the tragic loss of her husband, Jope Tuivanuavou, aged 55, who died in a locomotive accident in Lausa, Tavua at 12 PM on Wednesday. His colleague sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital.
The incident occurred while the two men were transporting sugarcane to the Lautoka Mill, with witnesses reporting that the locomotive derailed off the sugarcane bridge.
“My late husband was a devoted man of God and served as the senior pastor for the Fiji Evangelical Church in Tavua,” Ms. Verebasoga shared. She received the news from a worker while at home and described it as deeply affecting. Despite the tragedy, she expressed gratitude, believing that God had prepared her for this moment, as she had fasted for a week prior to the accident.
Recalling their last moments, Ms. Verebasoga said that following a prayer meeting on Tuesday night, her husband had invited members of their group to stay overnight. On Wednesday morning, she sensed something was amiss and urged him to pray before he left for work. They hugged and said their goodbyes, which turned out to be the last time they communicated.
Earlier in the week, Mr. Tuivanuavou had spoken with their children living in New Zealand and Kadavu, encouraging them to take care of themselves. Ms. Verebasoga noted that their children are struggling to cope with their father’s unexpected passing, describing him as humble, caring, healthy, and devoted to family.
While grieving his loss, she finds solace in her faith, citing Proverbs 19:21: “We may have many plans, but God’s will prevails.” She acknowledges this as God’s will and is at peace knowing he is in the Lord’s hands.
Funeral arrangements will be made following Mr. Tuivanuavou’s post-mortem, with family from New Zealand expected to arrive next week to potentially hold the funeral then. He is survived by his wife, eight children, and four grandchildren.