The Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, has issued a plea for parents to exercise greater caution and attentiveness to their children during the school break. This call for awareness comes in the wake of a tragic incident involving a five-year-old girl from Naituvatuvatu Village, Wainibuka, Tailevu, who lost her life after being swept away by strong river currents.
The unfortunate event occurred when the young girl, along with seven other children and her 32-year-old aunt, attempted to cross the Waisomi River after a trip to gather edible lady fern (Ota). According to reporter accounts, the girl was tragically engulfed by the strong currents. The village headman promptly informed the police, leading to the deployment of three officers to assist in the search efforts. Unfortunately, as darkness fell and adverse weather conditions prevailed, the search had to be suspended for the night. However, efforts resumed, resulting in the recovery of the child’s body the following day.
In light of this incident, ACPO Driu emphasized the importance of parental supervision, especially during school holidays. He urged parents to dedicate more time to their children and recommended avoiding large gatherings or festivities that could distract from their responsibilities.
This tragic occurrence serves as a somber reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety, particularly around water bodies. It highlights the critical need for parents to create a protective environment for their children. Moving forward, fostering increased awareness about potential dangers in natural settings can contribute significantly to preventing such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
It’s important for the community to come together, support grieving families, and enhance education on safety measures, ensuring that children can enjoy their holidays while remaining safe.
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