Retired bus driver Muniappa Naidu is grappling with the tragic loss of his wife, Visha Latchmi, who passed away following a car accident. Ms. Latchmi lost control of her vehicle on M.N. Naidu Road in Lautoka, colliding with a tree early yesterday morning.
Mr. Naidu recalled that it was unusual for his wife to wake him before her work shift, as she typically allowed him to sleep in. “She woke me to say that she was going and for me to look after the house,” he shared. “Little did I know those would be her last words. She has been my wife for the past 25 years.”
He noted that he has not been in good health and expressed surprise at being startled awake that morning. “Today was a different story. She was a remarkable woman, and I loved her deeply. Her earnings were essential for us, and we were in the midst of extending our home, a project she was significantly involved in. Now, everything is on hold.”
Ms. Latchmi had been working as a taxi driver for the past two years. Mr. Naidu is currently coordinating with her family to arrange her funeral, expected to take place on Saturday.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana, the accident occurred shortly after 8 a.m. when Ms. Latchmi lost control of her taxi, leading to the crash. She was transported to Lautoka Hospital but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries. A post-mortem examination is planned to determine the exact cause of death. Ms. Latchmi is survived by her husband, two children, and a grandchild.