A family’s aspirations for their daughter to study in Australia were tragically cut short due to an accident in Lautoka early Sunday morning. Vani Ratudradra, who was planning to join her twin sister later this year, lost her life in the incident, which also involved four other people.
The sudden death has left the family in disbelief as they cope with the loss that has shattered their hopes for Vani’s future. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro reported that Ratudradra was one of four passengers in a vehicle driven by a 24-year-old along Queens Road near Navutu, when the driver allegedly lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and crash into a post. Vani died at the scene, while the driver and three other individuals were taken to Lautoka Aspen Hospital with serious injuries.
Vani’s brother, Sela, recounted receiving news of the accident around 1 a.m. on Sunday involving his two sisters. “I immediately rushed to the scene. I didn’t pay attention to the crowd or the police; I just wanted to save my sister and take her to the hospital,” he said. He noted that Vani had recently been discharged from the hospital after a serious illness, heightening his urgency to help her.
Sela confirmed that another sister remains in the Trauma Ward at Lautoka Hospital while Vani has passed away. All family members were returning from a 21st birthday celebration. “Since her discharge, we always made sure to take good care of her and a family member would accompany her wherever she went,” he added.
Ms. Ratudradra was a former student of Jasper Williams High School and was set to join her twin sister, who is currently studying in Australia, by the end of the year. The twins were the youngest among eight siblings. Their mother, Losalini Ratudradra, remains in shock over the loss.
The three other passengers and Vani were expected to attend their youth church service (Mataveitokani) the following day at their church in Natabua. Ms. Naisoro stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the accident. The national road death toll now stands at 42, a decrease from 63 during the same period last year.