Vilisi Verebasoga, a resident of Tavualevu Village, shared the profound sorrow of unexpectedly losing her husband, Jope Tuivanuavou, 55, who died in a tragic locomotive accident in Lausa, Tavua on Wednesday around noon. The accident, which occurred while he and a colleague were transporting sugarcane to the Lautoka Mill, resulted in Mr. Tuivanuavou’s immediate death, while his coworker is currently hospitalized with serious injuries at Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital. Eyewitnesses reported that the locomotive derailed off the sugarcane bridge.
Ms. Verebasoga described her late husband as a devoted man of faith and the senior pastor of the Fiji Evangelical Church’s Tavua branch. She recounted receiving the heartbreaking news while at home, and expressed gratitude for being spiritually prepared for such a loss. She shared that in the week prior, she had sensed a warning from God, prompting her to fast for guidance.
Reflecting on their last moments together, Ms. Verebasoga revealed that following a prayer meeting on Tuesday night, her husband had invited their group members to stay overnight. The morning before the accident, she felt the need to wake him for prayer, which they completed before he embraced her and headed to work for what would be the final time.
In his last conversations, Mr. Tuivanuavou had encouraged their children, who live both in New Zealand and Kadavu, to take care of themselves. Ms. Verebasoga noted that their children are struggling to cope with the suddenness of their father’s passing, describing him as a humble and caring family man. Despite their grief, she finds solace in her faith, recalling the Biblical verse Proverbs 19:21, which emphasizes that while people may have many plans, it is ultimately God’s will that prevails.
Funeral arrangements are pending the completion of Mr. Tuivanuavou’s post-mortem examination, with family members from New Zealand expected to arrive next week for the service. He leaves behind his wife, eight children, and four grandchildren.