Two families are mourning the loss of their 17-year-old sons following a tragic accident on Wailoaloa Road early Sunday morning. The victims, Samisoni Bale and Salesi Vakatawa, were students at Lelean Memorial School (LMS) in Nausori and were traveling in a vehicle when the incident occurred.
The driver, an aircraft engineer in his 30s, is currently in police custody. Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew stressed the importance of adhering to road safety regulations, highlighting the severe consequences of neglecting them. Initial investigations suggest that speeding and alcohol consumption may have contributed to the crash.
Salesi’s mother, Adi Halaiwalu Vika, expressed her deep shock and sorrow. “I have six daughters, and he was my only son. I had high hopes for him,” she shared. “We waited for him to return by 8 p.m., only to receive the devastating news.”
Samisoni’s mother, Mere Makitalena, 47, last spoke with her son on Saturday afternoon after he returned from a day working on a sugarcane field. “He mentioned he was going to Martintar and would be back later. He was taking a break year before resuming his education next year,” Ms. Makitalena remembered with emotion.
Reports from the police indicate that Samisoni and Salesi suffered fatal injuries when the vehicle, which did not have a canopy, veered off the road and overturned near a tree. The boys, along with two other passengers seated in the vehicle’s tray, were ejected during the accident. The driver reportedly lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle.
The other three individuals in the vehicle were transported to Nadi Hospital with serious injuries. The families are awaiting the results of post-mortem examinations today in order to plan for the funerals.