A family in Buca Village, Vanua Levu, is mourning the loss of Selai Ragata, a beloved grandmother in her 60s, following a devastating car accident on Tuesday near Nasue Settlement in Vunilagi. Ms. Ragata was returning home from Savusavu with her children and grandchildren after replacing a lost bank card used for social welfare assistance when tragedy struck.
The vehicle carrying Ms. Ragata collided with another car that was traveling from Qaravutu towards Savusavu. Initial police investigations suggest that the accident occurred when Ms. Ragata’s vehicle veered into the opposite lane, leading to a head-on collision.
Following the crash, Ms. Ragata and two of her grandchildren were rushed to Savusavu Hospital, where she unfortunately succumbed to her injuries. The grandchildren, along with her daughter Mereoni and son Tomasi, are currently hospitalized and receiving treatment.
Ms. Ragata leaves behind her husband, Pauliasi Qaqa, five children, and 11 grandchildren, who are now left to cope with this heartbreaking loss. Police have indicated that the driver of the other vehicle will be questioned as the investigation into the incident continues.
This tragedy marks the first road fatality of the year, contrasting with the same period last year, which saw no fatalities, highlighting a concerning trend in road safety. As families unite to support one another in times of grief, it serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety for all.