A family’s plans to send their daughter to Australia for further studies have been tragically halted following a fatal accident in Lautoka early Sunday morning.
Vani Ratudradra, who was supposed to join her twin sister in Australia later this year, lost her life in the crash that also involved four others. The shocking loss has left her family reeling as they confront the sudden tragedy that has shattered their dreams for Vani’s future.
According to police spokesperson Ana Naisoro, Vani was one of four passengers in a vehicle driven by a 24-year-old. The driver reportedly lost control while traveling on the Queens Road near Navutu, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and crash into a post. Vani died at the scene, while the driver and three others were taken to Lautoka Aspen Hospital, where they are in serious condition.
Vani’s brother, Sela, recounted receiving a call just after 1 AM informing him that his sisters were involved in an accident. He rushed to the scene, sharing that his only concern was to help his sister. “I couldn’t care for the crowd of people, the police and fire officers who were there; I just wanted to save my sister and rush her to the hospital,” he said. He added that Vani had recently been discharged from the hospital after a serious illness.
Sela mentioned that two of his sisters were also passengers in the vehicle. “Vani died, and another sister is still in the Trauma Ward at Lautoka Hospital.” The family was returning from a 21st birthday celebration at the time of the accident.
“After her hospital discharge, we always made sure to take good care of her, and a family member was meant to accompany her wherever she went,” Sela explained. Vani was a former student of Jasper Williams High School and was set to join her twin sister, who is currently studying in Australia, at the end of the year. The twins are the youngest of eight siblings.
Their mother, Losalini Ratudradra, remains in deep shock over the loss. The three passengers, along with Vani, were also expected to participate in their church’s youth service the following day.
Ms. Naisoro stated that investigations will continue to determine the factors contributing to the accident. The national road death toll currently stands at 42, compared to 63 fatalities for the same period last year.