Retired bus driver Muniappa Naidu is grappling with the recent loss of his wife and primary provider, Visha Latchmi. Ms. Latchmi tragically passed away yesterday morning after losing control of her vehicle while driving on M.N. Naidu Road in Lautoka, resulting in a collision with a tree.
Mr. Naidu shared that it was out of the ordinary for his wife to wake him before her shift, as she typically allowed him to sleep in. He recalled their final exchange, stating, “She woke me to say that she was going and for me to look after the house. Little did I know those would be her last words. She has been my wife for the last 25 years.”
He expressed his emotional turmoil, saying, “I am not well these days,” and mentioned that her wake-up call startled him. He described her as a remarkable woman whom he loved dearly, highlighting their financial dependence on her earnings. They had been planning to expand their home, a project that is now halted following her untimely death.
Mr. Naidu revealed that his late wife had been a taxi driver for the past two years. He intends to speak with her family regarding her funeral arrangements, which are expected to take place on Saturday.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana, Ms. Latchmi was driving along M.N. Naidu Road at about 8 a.m. when she lost control of her vehicle, resulting in the tragic accident. She was transported to Lautoka Hospital, where she was admitted but later succumbed to her injuries. SSP Divuana noted that a post-mortem examination will be performed to ascertain the cause of death.
Ms. Latchmi is survived by her husband, two children, and a grandchild.