A family of five from Matasawalevu in Dreketi are counting themselves lucky after surviving a possible near death incident at their home yesterday.

The family members are blessed to be alive today after a vehicle crashed onto their verandah. The vehicle, belonging to Fairdeal Earthmoving & Contractors Pte Ltd, was driven by a staff member.

At the time of the accident, the crashed vehicle also bumped the family’s car before it flipped over. The lone passenger was another company employee. Homeowner Dharmendra Naresh said the accident has traumatised his family members.

At around 9:45am, Mr Naresh was in his kitchen with his wife when he heard the sound of a high-speeding vehicle approaching them.

The impact of the accident shook the house to its core on impact.

“Luckily, my one-year-five-month old son was not playing in the compound,” he said.

“My children will be afraid to move around in the compound now.”

“This will be a fearful thought they will always remember”.

He said a supervisor from the company would visit the family today to assess the damage. He has been assured that the company would cater the cost of the damage.

“My vehicle was also damaged in the accident. Afterwards, he moved the vehicle because he had to aid the injured passenger from the overturned vehicle. They will also pay for the damage to my car,” Mr Naresh said.

Mr Naresh is calling on drivers to be more cautious when approaching a turn and to be more aware of how fast they were driving.

He said a man lost his life in the area three years ago in a similar incident. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed the incident, adding that the lone passenger was still admitted at the Labasa Hospital and treated for injuries.

The driver was also treated for injuries and sent home. He will be brought in later for questioning.

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