The tragic loss of two young lives, Pisawaqa Sirovoama, 20, and Meri Nadaba, 25, has sent shockwaves through their families and friends, as well as contributing to an alarming rise in road fatalities. The incident occurred early Saturday morning on the Queens Highway near Kulukulu Sigatoka, where a vehicle crashed into an electric power pole after the driver, reportedly heavily intoxicated, failed to maneuver a bend.
Among the four occupants of the vehicle, two tragically lost their lives. One individual remains hospitalized at Aspen Hospital, while another has since been discharged. The Fiji Police Force Director of Traffic and Transport Control, Senior Superintendent Mitieli Divuana, expressed his sorrow over two fatal road accidents occurring within a 24-hour span during the weekend. He reiterated the importance of responsible driving and urged drivers to prioritize the safety of passengers and pedestrians alike.
Mereani Qarikau, a close friend of Meri Nadaba, recounted their last conversation the night before the accident, where they exchanged photos from a party. She expressed disbelief at the sudden loss and highlighted Nadaba’s kind-hearted nature, stating, “Our workplace will no longer be the same without her.”
Rosi Tagilala, a cousin of the victims, also voiced the family’s grief, noting that the suddenness of their deaths has left them struggling to cope. “It hurts us so much that their lives have been taken away so early,” she said, reflecting the family’s shared anguish.
In light of these tragic events, the overall road death toll now stands at 61, a slight decrease compared to 76 fatalities during the same period last year. This statistic highlights the ongoing efforts of authorities to improve road safety.
The hope remains that, with increased awareness and police presence on the roads, the community can work together to prevent further tragedies and promote safer driving practices. The heartfelt memories of the victims will continue to inspire those around them to cherish life and prioritize safety.
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