The tragic loss of two young women, Pisawaqa Sirovoama, aged 20, and Meri Nadaba, aged 25, has left their families and friends in deep mourning and has raised concerns about road safety. The fatal incident occurred early Saturday morning on the Queens Highway near Kulukulu Sigatoka. Authorities report that the vehicle, which was carrying two females and two males, failed to navigate a bend, leading to the driver, who is believed to have been heavily intoxicated, colliding with an electric power pole.
As a result of the crash, two passengers lost their lives, while another remains hospitalized, and one has since been released. The police are stepping up their efforts, with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana from the Fiji Police Force’s Traffic and Transport Control division expressing his sorrow over two fatal accidents occurring within a 24-hour period. He urged drivers to act responsibly and keep in mind the safety of their passengers and others on the road.
Meri Nadaba’s close friend, Mereani Qarikau, shared her shock upon hearing about the accident, recalling their last conversation just the night before. She described Meri as a kind-hearted person whose absence will be deeply felt at their workplace.
Rosi Tagilala, a cousin of both victims, expressed the family’s devastation, highlighting that the two were first cousins from Bua, Vanua Levu. The family is struggling to cope with the sudden loss of the young women they cherished.
The road death toll in Fiji now stands at 61, a slight reduction compared to 76 during the same time last year, which offers a glimmer of hope for improvement in road safety measures.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving, especially in preventing intoxicated driving. It is essential for drivers to prioritize safety, both for themselves and for the lives of others on the road. The community is also encouraged to support each other during this difficult time, reflecting on the lives that have tragically been lost and advocating for safer driving practices moving forward.
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