A family in Buca Village, Vanua Levu, is grieving the tragic loss of Selai Ragata, a cherished grandmother in her 60s, who died in a car accident on Tuesday near Nasue Settlement in Vunilagi. Ms. Ragata was on her way home from Savusavu with her children and grandchildren after she had replaced a lost bank card used for social welfare assistance when the accident occurred.
According to initial reports from police investigations, Ms. Ragata’s vehicle was involved in a head-on collision after veering into the opposite lane and colliding with another car traveling from Qaravutu towards Savusavu.
Following the impact, Ms. Ragata and two of her grandchildren were rushed to Savusavu Hospital, where Ms. Ragata sadly succumbed to her injuries. Her grandchildren, along with her daughter Mereoni and son Tomasi, remain hospitalized and are receiving medical care.
Ms. Ragata’s passing leaves a profound void in her family, which includes her husband, Pauliasi Qaqa, five children, and 11 grandchildren who are now left navigating their grief. Authorities have announced plans to question the driver of the other vehicle as part of the ongoing investigation into the accident.
This incident marks the first road fatality of the year, a stark contrast to the same timeframe last year, which reported no fatalities. This situation underscores the growing concern regarding road safety in the region. As the community comes together to support Mrs. Ragata’s family, it highlights the fragility of life and the urgent need for improved road safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.