Cop Flees Scene of Fatal Accident and Breadwinner Dies in Another
Taveuni recorded two road deaths over the weekend. One approaching Lovonivonu and the other on the way to Naqere.
In Lovonivonu, a Police officer, who allegedly caused the death of a 34-year-old passenger, fled the scene after the accident. The vehicle, which was driven by the Police officer, allegedly veered off the road and hit an electricity post.
Selai Dileba
Selai Dileba, died on the spot.
The was confirmed by Police spokesperson, Wame Bautolu. He said the accident happened at around 2am on Sunday.
“A 27-year-old male is admitted at Waiyevo Hospital in Taveuni,” Mr Bautolu said.
Simione Rakuro, husband of the late Ms Dileba is trying to console his three children at Waica Settlement in Taveuni.
He said everything happened so quickly that he never thought his wife would leave this world in a tragic way.
“My wife and I along with the Police officer had a social gathering together near a beach,” Mr Rakuro said.
“On our way to Lovonivonu, we picked three friends and relatives of Selai from Soqulu Estate.”
“I quickly alerted the driver to get some help while I went around to get a taxi and took my wife to hospital.” Mr Rakuro is a farmer.
The deceased was from Drawa Village, Cakaudrove.
Deceased’s sister, Sulueti Duri, described her sister as a humble and loving mother.
“She worked as a bartender and was a well known masseuse in Taveuni,” Ms Duri said.
“She worked very hard making sure all her children looked nice and wore neat clothes.”
The funeral will be held at Waica Settlement this Friday.
Shiu Karan
Meanwhile, in Naqere, family members of Shiu Karan, are reeling over his death. He was the sole breadwinner of his family.
The 53-year-old is survived by his wife, Sumitra Devi, 51, and their five children.
She said last Saturday at around 1:30pm, her husband left their house in Qila with their son, Ravitesh Karan. They were on their way to Naqere.
“While waiting near the roadside, one advisory councillor stopped his vehicle and they sat at the back of the truck,” Ms Devi said.
“At Blue Corner just a few metres away from the house, someone called to inform me that an accident occured and six passengers were taken to Waiyevo Hospital.”
Due to severe injuries, her husband passed away around 9:30pm. “We moved from Labasa to Taveuni 30 years ago to do yaqona farming and live a better life as job opportunities were less,” she said.
“It was like any other Saturday shopping day for our family and since there is no bus service provided, we usually wait for a carrier hire to take us to town.”
She said the cost for one way was $20. Her 15-year-old son, Ravitesh Karan also sustained injuries and hasn’t been to school since Monday because he was still in shock over his father’s death.
“I can only remember that the vehicle tumbled and we all ended up at the hospital,” Ravitesh said. “Our father was the only breadwinner and now we are thinking how to conduct the funeral and continue schooling.”
Ms Devi said they would consider returning to Labasa to start a new life since her two children are going to school, one is a school dropout, one is doing a casual job and the eldest got married.
Mr Bautolu confirmed they had received the report and investigation was ongoing.