The tragic loss of two young lives, Pisawaqa Sirovoama, age 20, and Meri Nadaba, age 25, has deeply impacted their families and friends while also raising concerns over road safety. The pair died in a vehicular accident early Saturday morning when a driver, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, lost control of the vehicle while traveling along the Queens Highway at Kulukulu Sigatoka around 2 am. The vehicle, carrying two additional passengers, crashed into an electric power pole.
According to police reports, one passenger remains hospitalized at Aspen Hospital, while another has since been discharged. Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana, Director of Traffic and Transport Control, expressed sorrow over the occurrence of two fatal accidents within just 24 hours over the weekend. He emphasized the importance of responsible driving and the need for drivers to consider the safety of their passengers and pedestrians alike, highlighting the commitment of the police and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to enhance road safety.
Mereani Qarikau, a close friend and colleague of Ms. Nadaba, shared her shock at the sudden loss, recalling their last conversation the night before the accident when they exchanged messages about a party Ms. Nadaba had attended. “I miss my friend. She is such a lovely lady with a beautiful heart,” said Ms. Qarikau.
Rosi Tagilala, a cousin of the two victims, expressed the family’s deep grief, noting that they are struggling to cope with the unexpected loss. She highlighted the strong familial bond between the two, who were both from Bua, Vanua Levu.
This unfortunate incident raises the road death toll to 61 this year, compared to 76 from the previous year, underlining the critical need for awareness and precaution while driving. As the community mourns the loss of these young lives, it serves as a reminder for everyone to prioritize safety on the roads.
Despite this heart-wrenching event, it may also act as a catalyst for improved safety measures and more robust public awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of drunk driving, fostering a collective effort towards safer roads in the future.
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