The tragic loss of two young lives, Pisawaqa Sirovoama, 20, and Meri Nadaba, 25, has left families and friends devastated and heightened concerns about road safety in the region. The pair lost their lives in a car accident early Saturday morning.
The incident occurred around 2 AM on the Queens Highway at Kulukulu Sigatoka. Authorities report that the driver, who was suspected to be heavily intoxicated, failed to navigate a bend and crashed into an electric power pole. There were four individuals in the vehicle, and while two lost their lives, another person is being treated at Aspen Hospital, and one has since been released.
Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana, the Director of Traffic and Transport Control for the Fiji Police Force, expressed sorrow over two fatal accidents happening within a short timeframe. He emphasized the ongoing commitment of the police and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to enhance road safety and urged drivers to take personal responsibility for themselves and their passengers.
Mereani Qarikau, a friend and coworker of Meri Nadaba, recounted her disbelief upon learning of her friend’s passing. The two had been in contact just hours before the accident, sharing moments from a party Nadaba attended with family. Qarikau reflected on the loss of her friend, highlighting her kind spirit and the void her departure has created at their workplace.
In a statement from Rosi Tagilala, a cousin of the deceased, the family is grappling with their grief. She shared that both women, hailing from Bua, Vanua Levu, were first cousins and that their abrupt passing has left their family in shock. The emotional impact on their relatives, especially Pisawaqa’s father, is profound as they struggle to accept this unexpected tragedy.
These incidents increase the toll on road safety, with the current official count rising to 61 deaths compared to 76 at the same time last year. This stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving reinforces the need for awareness and safety on the roads.
While this news brings sorrow and reflects the reality of road safety challenges, it also serves as a wake-up call to communities about the importance of sober driving and responsible behavior on the roads, with the hope that more lives can be saved in the future through increased awareness and education.
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