Birthday celebrations for  74-year-old Dilewa Tuvui ended tragically, after her four-year old grandson Inia Masiyaceva was killed by a passing car outside her home last Friday.

The accident happened at Wailevu Village, outside Labasa. Inia’s parents Sairusi Masikanace and Selai Vuibuceisau are in shock. They want to know how the accident happened when there are road humps to slow vehicles when crossing the village.

“I cannot believe that my only son is not here anymore,” Ms Vuibuceisau said.

The family had just finished the birthday celebrations when the accident happened at about 9pm.

“After my grandmother’s birthday, Inia went home which is across the road. Inia has mastered crossing the road, but Friday was different from the rest. The van was speeding despite the two road humps on the road.”

Police spokesperson Atu Sokomuri said the van driver remains in custody at Labasa. He called on parents to supervise their children when  they use the roads.

The road death toll is now 39 compared to 33 for the same period last year.

Feedback:  peni.drauna@fijisun.com.fj