Christmas Day and Boxing Day will never be the same for two families in the North after their loved ones died in road accidents.

In Taveuni, a family’s plan to go on a swimming trip to Lovonivou on Monday was crushed after their three-year-old son died when he was hit by a vehicle.

In Savusavu, a child is without a father.  Savenaca Lutunauca, became the latest victim on our road on Boxing Day. 

‘Angel’ boy dies in Taveuni

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said three-year-old Viliame Verealawa was walking along the road with his parents and it is alleged that he suddenly ran across the road.

He was hit by a vehicle driven by a 32-year-old bowser attendant of Lesuma, Taveuni,” she said.

A family member said her parents were still in shock and too distraught to talk.

“They haven’t eaten anything after the incident happened around 5pm (on Monday) along Lovonivou Northern coastal road,” she said.

“After a wonderful lunch my parents took Viliame for a swim which is like a few minutes’ walk from our house.

“We never thought that our jolly Christmas celebrations would end in such a tragic way.

“Viliame was like an angel to us; filled with so much love and enthusiasm. I really don’t know how my parents will cope.”

Young father dies in Savusavu

In Savusavu a mother is broken hearted after the death of her son in the early hours of the morning

Miliakera Dainivalu of Yaroi, Savusavu said she received a call from her brother-in-law at around 5:30am telling her to check whether her son was asleep.

“I quickly checked but I only found his fiancé and one-year-old daughter sleeping in the room,” Ms Dainivalu said.

“But I recall…when I was taking my sickly mother to the washroom he came inside his room to check on his family and then left the house. He didn’t say anything.

“My brother-in-law told me that there was a big crowd including some Police officers standing near Vuniyasawa Settlement.

“I quickly told my husband and daughter to run and check whether it was Save while I prayed to God requesting him to watch over my son.

“Sadly my husband told me that someone bumped into Save and left him dead on the road.

“I feel more pain because he is young, leaving behind his fiancé and their child.”

Police spokesperson Ms Ana Naisoro said the deceased was a victim of an alleged hit and run accident.

“A call was received through the emergency line after 3am stating that a body was found lying motionless beside the road at Vuniyasawa settlement,” Ms Naisoro said.

“The victim was later identified by the family who said that the victim was last seen leaving for Savusavu Town.

“A post mortem will be conducted to ascertain the cause of death.”

A 58-year-old suspect is understood to be in Police custody in relation to the incident.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback:  shratikan@fijisun.com.fj