The unexpected loss of her husband has been a deeply painful experience for Vilisi Verebasoga from Tavualevu Village. Jope Tuivanuavou, 55, tragically died in a locomotive accident in Lausa, Tavua around noon on Wednesday, while a colleague sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital.
The two men were transporting sugarcane to the Lautoka Mill when the incident occurred, with eyewitnesses reporting that the locomotive derailed off the sugarcane bridge.
“My late husband was an obedient man of God; he served as the senior pastor for the Fiji Evangelical Church’s Tavua branch,” Ms. Verebasoga reflected. “I received a call from one of the workers informing me of the accident, and it hit me hard. Despite the tragedy, I thank God. I had been fasting for a week as I felt God was signaling that I would face a challenge.”
Ms. Verebasoga shared their last moments together, recalling that after a prayer meeting on Tuesday night, her husband urged their group to spend the night at their home. “On Wednesday, I woke him up for prayer, sensing that something might happen. After we prayed, he had breakfast and hugged me goodbye as he left for work.”
She noted that earlier in the week, her husband had reached out to their children in New Zealand, Kadavu, and at home, advising them to take care of themselves.
“Our children are struggling to cope with his sudden passing. He was a humble, caring individual and dedicated family man,” she said. “While we deeply miss him, I find peace in knowing God has a plan. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, ‘We may have many plans, but God’s will prevails.’ I accept this as God’s will and find comfort in knowing he is in the Lord’s hands.”
Funeral arrangements will be finalized following Mr. Tuivanuavou’s post-mortem examination. “Our relatives from New Zealand are expected to arrive next week, so the funeral may take place then,” she added. Mr. Tuivanuavou is survived by his wife, eight children, and four grandchildren.