A family’s aspirations of sending their daughter to Australia for education have been shattered following a tragic accident in Lautoka early on Sunday morning. Vani Ratudradra, who was set to join her twin sister later this year, lost her life in the crash, which also involved four other individuals.
The sudden loss has left her family in disbelief as they confront the unexpected tragedy that has extinguished their hopes for Vani’s future. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro reported that Ms. Ratudradra was one of four passengers in the vehicle involved in the incident.
“The vehicle, driven by a 24-year-old, was traveling along Queens Road near Navutu when it is alleged the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and crash into a post,” Ms. Naisoro stated. “She died at the scene, while the driver and three other passengers were transported to Lautoka Aspen Hospital, where they remain in serious condition.”
Ms. Ratudradra’s brother, Sela, said that shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday, he received a call informing him that his two sisters had been involved in an accident at Navutu, Lautoka. “I rushed to the scene. I could hardly pay attention to the crowd of people, police, and fire officers present; all I wanted was to save my sister and take her to the hospital,” he said.
“She had just been discharged from the hospital after being seriously ill last month, which is why I was so desperate to help her.” He noted that two of his sisters were also passengers in the vehicle. “Vani died, and another sister is still in the Trauma Ward at Lautoka Hospital.”
The family was returning from a 21st birthday celebration at the time of the accident. “After her hospital discharge, we made it a priority to take good care of her, ensuring that a family member accompanied her wherever she went,” he added.
Ms. Ratudradra was a former student of Jasper Williams High School and was expected to join her twin sister, who is studying in Australia, at the end of this year. The twins were the youngest among eight siblings. Their mother, Losalini Ratudradra, remains in shock over the loss.
The three passengers and the deceased were also scheduled to participate in their youth church service (Mataveitokani) the following day at their church in Natabua. Ms. Naisoro confirmed that investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing. As of now, the national road death toll stands at 42, a decrease from 63 during the same period last year.