The community of Dreketilailai in Labasa is in mourning following the tragic death of 27-year-old Manoa Tugi, who suffered fatal injuries in a workplace incident in Wainibokasi, Nausori. Tugi, an employee of the Ministry of Fisheries, was critically injured when an empty diving gas tank exploded while a colleague was using a grinder on it. The explosion resulted in debris that struck Tugi, ultimately leading to his death.
After the incident, both Tugi and the colleague were taken to Wainibokasi Health Centre and then referred to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital for specialized care. Sadly, Tugi did not survive his injuries.
Vani Lewalevu, Tugi’s aunt, expressed her profound sorrow, emphasizing Tugi’s generous spirit and commitment to his community. She took on the responsibility of caring for him since he was 13, following the loss of his father, and noted that he supported his mother financially while living in Suva. Lewalevu recounted Tugi’s enthusiasm for community activities, illustrating the significant impact of his loss on both the family and their community.
She called attention to the crucial need for workplace safety, insisting that a thorough investigation should take place to prevent similar tragedies in the future. “Workplaces are supposed to be safe, and I hope a proper investigation can be conducted,” Lewalevu stated.
In the wake of this incident, the Ministry of Fisheries announced plans to initiate its own investigation. Minister Alitia Bainivalu acknowledged the severity of the situation and expressed the ministry’s commitment to understanding the details thoroughly before deciding on subsequent actions.
This unfortunate event highlights the dangers associated with handling hazardous materials and the urgent need for rigorous safety protocols in workplaces to protect employees. Concerns about safety standards have intensified after this incident, along with a recent explosion in Nadi, leading to increased calls for reform and improvement in safety measures across various sectors.
As the investigation progresses, there remains a glimmer of hope that new safety protocols will be established, fostering a safer working environment and preventing future accidents. This situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of workplace safety and the measures needed to protect workers in all industries.
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