The tragic loss of two young lives, Pisawaqa Sirovoama, 20, and Meri Nadaba, 25, has left their families and friends heartbroken, further contributing to the increasing road death toll. The fatal accident occurred early Saturday morning along the Queens Highway in Kulukulu Sigatoka. Reports suggest that the driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, failed to navigate a bend and crashed into an electric power pole.
In the vehicle, there were four individuals: two males and two females. While two occupants tragically lost their lives, one person remains hospitalized at Aspen Hospital, and another has since been discharged.
In response to this incident, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana, who oversees Traffic and Transport Control for the Fiji Police Force, expressed his sorrow that such fatal accidents occurred on the same weekend. He emphasized the importance of responsible driving and the need for on-road safety. “We call on drivers to be responsible and to consider the lives of their passengers and pedestrians,” SSP Divuana stated.
Mereani Qarikau, a work colleague and close friend of Ms. Nadaba, recounted their final conversation the night before the accident, during which they shared cheerful texts about a party. Qarikau expressed her disbelief over her friend’s sudden death, stating, “I miss my friend. She is such a lovely lady with a beautiful heart. Our workplace will no longer be the same without her.”
Rosi Tagilala, a cousin of both victims, shared her family’s grief, highlighting the deep emotional impact of such a sudden loss. “It hurts us so much that their lives have been taken away so early. The family is trying to come to terms with their death,” she said. The cousins were originally from Bua, Vanua Levu.
Despite this tragedy, there is some hope as the overall road death toll this year stands at 61, a reduction compared to 76 fatalities during the same period last year. This statistic offers a glimmer of hope that educational and enforcement efforts may lead to safer roads in the future.
It is crucial for communities to rally together in remembrance of those lost and to advocate for safer driving practices, ensuring that such tragedies do not occur again in the future. The support for grieving families and increased awareness among drivers can foster a more responsible and safer culture on the roads.
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