A family in Moto, Ba, is grappling with unimaginable loss following the death of 19-year-old Iziyan Ali, who was tragically killed in a car accident on Wednesday night. Relatives report that Iziyan was on his way home when the accident occurred, just moments before he was set to reach his destination.
This devastating news comes on the heels of another tragedy that recently affected the family, as Iziyan’s sister, Zakia Bibi, her husband, and their two-year-old son lost their lives in a catastrophic house fire in Nadi a few weeks prior. The family’s grief has only intensified with the addition of Iziyan’s passing, compounding their sorrow in a short span of time.
The funeral for Iziyan was held yesterday afternoon, marking yet another heart-wrenching moment for his family and community as they come to terms with their losses.
In a broader context, Fiji has reported a total of 38 road fatalities this year, showing a notable decrease from 62 at the same time last year, even amid these ongoing tragedies. Recent accidents have heightened road safety concerns, as highlighted by the loss of young lives like Iziyan’s and fellow residents like Setoki Niqara, who tragically perished in a car crash just days beforehand. These incidents serve as stark reminders of the critical importance of safety on the roads.
The Fiji Police Force, headed by Senior Superintendent Mitieli Divuana, continues to advocate for responsible driving practices and increased public awareness to prevent further tragedies. The hope remains that freestanding efforts towards road safety will lead to more protected journeys for all users, ultimately reducing the number of such heartbreaking accidents in the future.