A family’s aspirations of sending their daughter to Australia for her studies were shattered following a tragic accident in Lautoka early Sunday morning. Vani Ratudradra, who was planning to reunite with her twin sister later this year, lost her life in the crash, which also involved four other individuals.
The sudden loss has left her family devastated as they come to terms with the tragedy that has derailed Vani’s future. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro reported that Ms. Ratudradra was one of four passengers in a vehicle driven by a 24-year-old. The incident occurred on Queens Road near Navutu, where it is alleged that the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and strike a post.
“She died at the scene while the suspect and three others were taken to Lautoka Aspen Hospital, where they are being treated for serious injuries,” Ms. Naisoro stated. Vani’s brother, Sela, received news of the accident involving his two sisters just after 1 a.m. on Sunday.
“I rushed to the scene, overwhelmed by the crowd, police, and fire officers. All I wanted was to save my sister and get her to the hospital,” he recounted. Last month, Vani had been discharged from the hospital following a severe illness, which heightened his desire to protect her. Unfortunately, one of her sisters is still in the Trauma Ward at Lautoka Hospital, while Vani has tragically passed away.
The family was returning from a 21st birthday celebration when the accident occurred. “After she was discharged, we made sure to take good care of her, and a family member usually accompanied her wherever she went. She was with one of our sisters and some friends from the area,” he explained.
Vani was a former student of Jasper Williams High School, set to join her twin sister, who is currently studying in Australia, at the end of the year. The twins were the youngest of eight siblings, and their mother, Losalini Ratudradra, remains in shock. The three passengers who survived and Vani were supposed to participate in a youth church service (Mataveitokani) at their church in Natabua the following day.
Ms. Naisoro confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the accident. The national road death toll currently stands at 42, a decrease compared to 63 during the same period last year.