Vilisi Verebasoga from Tavualevu Village expressed the deep pain of losing her husband unexpectedly, who was the father of their eight children. Jope Tuivanuavou, 55, tragically died on Wednesday in a locomotive accident at Lausa, Tavua, while transporting sugarcane to the Lautoka Mill. His colleague was left with serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital. Eyewitnesses reported that the locomotive derailed off the Lausa sugarcane bridge.
Ms. Verebasoga described her husband as a devoted man of God and the senior pastor of the Fiji Evangelical Church in Tavua. She recalled receiving the shocking news from a worker while she was at home, which had a profound impact on her. Despite the tragedy, she expressed gratitude to God, stating that she had sensed something was amiss and had fasted for a week in preparation.
She recounted their last moments together, which included a prayer meeting the night before his death, during which her husband invited their group members to stay overnight. The following morning, she woke him for prayer, as she had a feeling something might happen, and after sharing a breakfast and a hug, they said their goodbyes.
Earlier in the week, Mr. Tuivanuavou had spoken with their children, both in New Zealand and at home, encouraging them to take care of themselves. Ms. Verebasoga noted that their children are struggling to cope with their father’s sudden passing, describing him as a humble, caring, and devoted family man. She finds solace in her faith, citing a biblical verse that reassures her of God’s plan.
Funeral arrangements will be made following Mr. Tuivanuavou’s post-mortem examination, with relatives from New Zealand expected to arrive next week. He is survived by his wife, eight children, and four grandchildren.