Tomasi Waimuka’s world was shattered when he learned that his son, 26-year-old Aporosa Momo, had been the victim of a hit-and-run accident on Drasa Avenue in Lautoka early Saturday morning. A passerby discovered Momo lying on the roadside and promptly took him to Lautoka Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead upon arrival.
Mr. Waimuka, who resides in Nasowata Settlement in Navutu, Lautoka, described the heartbreak of being awakened in the night by two nephews bearing the devastating news. Just hours earlier, Momo had informed his father that he was heading to a relative’s house after returning from a funeral. “I had only wished to see him alive with just a minor injury,” stated Mr. Waimuka, expressing deep sorrow at the sight of his son’s covered body at the accident scene. Momo leaves behind two young children, further deepening the family’s grief.
Mr. Waimuka reminisced about his son’s contributions to the community, noting how Momo had always strived to help during local events. He also highlighted Momo’s involvement in a rugby league team in Lautoka.
In a related incident, Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana reported another tragic accident that occurred shortly after midnight on Friday, leading to the death of 38-year-old Ronesh Chand, a Nadi businessman. Chand lost control of his vehicle on Barara Flat while traveling with three passengers. He was rushed to Lautoka Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Two passengers remain in stable condition, while one has already been discharged.
According to SSP Divuana, the current road death toll stands at 50, a slight decrease compared to 71 during the same period last year, indicating a potential positive trend in road safety.
These incidents serve as a profound reminder of the importance of road safety measures and the devastating effects of reckless driving. The community mourns the loss of life while holding onto the hope that such tragedies will spur increased awareness and prevention efforts.
Encouragingly, as families and friends gather to support each other in these challenging times, there is a shared yearning for greater vigilance on the roads to ensure that no more lives are lost.
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