Tomasi Waimuka’s heartbreak over the tragic loss of his son, Aporosa Momo, came to a grim reality early Saturday on Drasa Avenue in Lautoka. Momo, just 26 years old, is suspected to be a victim of a hit-and-run incident. He was discovered by a passerby, but despite swift action to rush him to Lautoka Hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Mr. Waimuka, hailing from Nasowata Settlement in Navutu, Lautoka, recounted how he had just returned from a funeral the previous day, during which Momo had expressed his intention to visit relatives later that night. Hours later, Mr. Waimuka was awakened by his nephews delivering the tragic news of his son’s accident. “I only wished to see him alive, with just a minor injury,” he lamented. Arriving at the scene and seeing Momo’s body covered up was a deep shock for him, further compounded by the pain of knowing that Momo left behind two young children.
Remembered as an active member of his community who regularly contributed to local events and as a passionate player in a rugby league team in Lautoka, Mr. Waimuka expressed profound sorrow over the loss. “I miss my son,” he said.
In a related incident, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana reported another road accident occurred just after midnight on Friday, leading to the death of a Nadi businessman, Ronesh Chand, aged 38. Chand’s vehicle allegedly lost control while he was driving with three companions, resulting in a fatal crash. Chand was rushed to Lautoka Hospital but succumbed to his injuries, while two passengers are in stable condition and one was discharged.
SSP Divuana noted that the current road death toll stands at 50 for the year, a decrease from 71 during the same period last year, suggesting that ongoing road safety measures might be having a positive impact.
While these tragic events underscore the dangers present on the roads, they also highlight the importance of community support during such trying times. The focus now is on road safety and preventing further tragedies, encouraging a collective responsibility among all road users.
Overall, while the loss of life is heartbreaking, the reduction in road fatalities this year offers a glimmer of hope for improved safety and awareness in the community.
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