A group of youth from Toge Village in Ba were heroic in their effort to transport a deceased body in rubber tubes across the deadly Toge River.

Their act of bravery yesterday was a sign of respect to the 19-year-old deceased and his family during this tragic moment, according to a villager, Pio Navuevue.

Dead is Asesela Nalago who was bedridden for 17 years due to some medical conditions and was looked after by his maternal grandmother.

“When he passed away, the villagers went and sought assistance from a police officer who also reside in the village to assist them in transporting the victim to the hospital,” said acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Livai Driu.

Mr Navuevue claimed Mr Nalago died a little past midnight on Monday and that they had to wait until the heavy downpour ceased to transport him to the morgue.

The 43-year-old accompanied a group of eight youths in transporting Mr Nalago yesterday at 8 am.

“We tied tubes together and carried him across the river,” he said over the phone from Ba.

They crossed the river by leaning on the Taniqenesi bridge that was also underwater.

“The current was really strong the night he died so we had to wait,” he said.

Mr Navuevue claimed that Police were on the other side of the river to help with transportation.

ACP Driu said the deceased body was awaiting a postmortem examination.

He also said this was not new to them as they had been carrying corpses across the river every time it burst its bank.

They had to carry a corpse when they returned to the other side, for burial tomorrow.

“In times of emergency is an opportune time for the Youthful Population to step up and respond to the call of the community,” said another villager, Etuate Nasova.

However, the Fiji National Disaster Management Office director, Vasiti Soko, said while the office commends the efforts of these youths, they continue to urge the public to reach out to emergency service providers for assistance during such times.

“The last thing we want is loss of lives,” she said.

Story by: josefa.babitu@fijisun.com.fj