Seruwaia Wairoaroa was getting ready for a traditional courting ritual (‘duguci’) from her boyfriend’s family, which was set to take place tomorrow. Then tragedy struck.

A bus accident on Wednesday evening at Carreras Road in Votualevu, Nadi cost her her life.

According to the Police report, she was a passenger in a bus driven by a 45-year-old man. It is alleged the driver lost control of the bus, causing it to veer off the road.

Ms Wairoaroa died at the scene of the accident while a man, also in his 20s from Carreras Road, Nadi was admitted at the Lautoka Hospital in serious condition.

Ms Wairoaroa was a staff member of Jack’s of Fiji in Nadi.

Her father, Vilimoni Roko said the last conversation he had with his daughter was on Tuesday night. It was about the family of the young man she was in love with, and that they would be coming home to perform ‘Duguci’.

“After coming back from church, she sat me down and told me that the family of her boyfriend is coming on Saturday to ask for her hand in marriage,” the emotional father said.

“I told her that I was pleased with the decision she had made and gave her some good Biblical advice. We were looking forward to meeting the boy’s family on Saturday and I believe my daughter was excited about it.”

Mr Roko, 50, who is a widower, compared the pain of losing his daughter to when he lost his wife.

“When I heard about the accident and what happened to my daughter, I cried, but deep down in my heart I felt the peace of God,” he said.

“In 2009, my wife died of cancer and I took care of my four children through the grace of God.

“I just leave everything in God’s hands and also accept that all our days on this earth are numbered,” Mr Roko added.

The Roko family are originally from Nasautoka, Wainibuka.

A church associate Kiti Niumataiwalu spoke about her fond memories of the late Seruwaia Wairoaroa. She said: “Seruwaia was a faithful youth member of our church. Another beautiful soul gone to be with the Lord. Seruwaia may you rest in love, beautiful.”

Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro has said that seven other passengers were admitted at the Nadi Hospital while the driver was currently in custody at the Namaka Police Station.

Investigations continue.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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