A family’s dream of sending their daughter to Australia for her studies has been tragically cut short after a fatal accident in Lautoka early Sunday morning. Vani Ratudradra, who was preparing to join her twin sister later this year, lost her life in the crash that involved four other individuals.
The devastating news has left her family in a state of shock as they come to terms with the sudden loss that shattered their aspirations for Vani’s future. According to police spokesperson Ana Naisoro, Vani was one of the four passengers in a vehicle driven by a 24-year-old driver along Queens Road near Navutu, when the driver reportedly lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and hit a post.
Vani died at the scene, while the driver and the other three passengers were transported to Lautoka Aspen Hospital, where they are being treated for serious injuries. Her brother, Sela, recounted the moment he received the call around 1 AM informing him that his two sisters were involved in the accident. He rushed to the scene, overwhelmed with a sense of urgency to save his sister, despite the crowd of first responders present.
Sela mentioned that Vani had recently been discharged from the hospital after a serious illness, which fueled his desire to act swiftly. He confirmed that two of his sisters were in the vehicle, with Vani having died, while another sister remained hospitalized in the Trauma Ward.
The family had been returning from a 21st birthday celebration when the accident occurred. Sela emphasized their ongoing commitment to take care of Vani, noting that a family member always accompanied her after her recovery.
Vani Ratudradra, a former student of Jasper Williams High School, was set to reunite with her twin sister, who is currently studying in Australia, by the end of this year. The twins are the youngest in a family of eight siblings. Their mother, Losalini Ratudradra, is still reeling from the tragedy.
The group involved in the accident was expected to participate in their youth church service at their church in Natabua the following day. Naisoro stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the accident. As of now, the national road death toll stands at 42, a decrease from 63 during the same period last year.