Man, 63, Laments Grandson's Death

AYear 11 Korovuto College student of Nadi has become the eighth victim of the horrific accident at Nabou last weekend.

Police spokesperson Jokatama Qio confirmed that Joseph Underwood died early yesterday after eight days in a critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Lautoka Hospital.

Originally from Kadavu, Joseph’s mother is from Votua Village in Ba.

His maternal grandfather Iosefo Waqatabu, 68, was still coming to terms with the news when a Fiji Sun team visited his residence in Vunavau, Korovuto, Nadi, yesterday.

“Joseph is my grandson, the son of my daughter. They lived a stone’s throw from my house,” he said.

“He was the lone child in their family, but he had been living with us from time to time. “We should accept his fate.

“I visited him in the hospital a few days ago since his admission.

“He looked OK on the outside, but we never know … I think his parents will take this news very hard.”

Mr Waqatabu said on a daily basis the neighbours would visit them at their home and ask about Joseph, even his teachers and friends at school.

A neighbour, Benjamin Brijlal, 42, said the Joseph was among the children who made their neighbourhood lively.

“He will be missed even by us the neighbours. He was very kind and when you asked him to do things, he would go out of his way to do it. We are mourning his loss.” His grandfather said the family would decide on funeral arrangements for Joseph in the coming days.

Police confirmed that six people are now recovering in the Trauma Ward at Lautoka Hospital. Edited by Epineri Vula