Vilisi Verebasoga from Tavualevu Village is grappling with the sudden loss of her husband, Jope Tuivanuavou, who tragically passed away in a locomotive accident at Lausa, Tavua, on Wednesday at noon. He was 55 years old. His colleague suffered severe injuries and is currently hospitalized at Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital. The two men were transporting sugarcane to Lautoka Mill when the incident occurred, with witnesses reporting that the locomotive derailed off the Lausa sugarcane bridge.
Ms. Verebasoga described her husband as a devoted man of faith, serving as the senior pastor of the Fiji Evangelical Church’s Tavua branch. She recounted receiving the tragic news while at home, indicating the profound impact it had on her. “Despite what has happened, I thank God. God was showing me signs, so I fasted for one week,” she said.
She recalled their last moments together, mentioning that after a prayer meeting on Tuesday night, her husband had invited the group to stay over. On Wednesday morning, sensing something might happen, she woke him for prayer before he left for work. They shared a final breakfast and embrace, marking their last conversation as they bid each other farewell.
Toward the start of the week, Mr. Tuivanuavou spoke with their children in New Zealand, Kadavu, and at home, encouraging them to take care of themselves. Ms. Verebasoga noted that their children are struggling to cope with his unexpected passing, reflecting on his character as a humble, caring family man.
“While we miss him, I thank God because Proverbs 19:21 says, ‘We may have many plans, but God’s will prevails.’ I know this is God’s will, so I have to accept it, but I am at peace because he is in the Lord’s hands,” she expressed.
Funeral arrangements will commence following Mr. Tuivanuavou’s post-mortem, with relatives from New Zealand expected to arrive next week for the services. He is survived by his wife, eight children, and four grandchildren.