Nabou Accident Survivor Graduates From British Army

Fifty-one-year-old Salome Voliti praised the Lord Almighty and gave thanks for her son on Friday.

The single mother of Korovuto, Nadi, was extremely proud after her son, Private Sailasa Laudola (affectionately known as Doki in family circles), after he graduated from the British Army Armed Forces Training Centre Pirbright, Surrey, England.

This meant he became a member of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.

Private Laudola, 26, of Korovuto, Nadi, was among survivors of the tragic accident in Nabou, midway between Nadi and Sigatoka, last year which claimed eight lives when two vehicles collided.

“I am very thankful and proud to be his mother and to celebrate his career with the British Army,” Ms Voliti said after her son completed the 14-week assessment.

Mum Salome Voliti (back) holds a picture of her son Sailasa Laudola as family members show their support at Korovuto Village in Nadi on July 27, 2019. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Nabou incident

Recounting the tragic incident on August 4 last year, Ms Voliti was in the village not knowing that her son was on his way alongside other RNC ex-scholars to watch the Deans Rugby quarter-final in Suva.

“Someone told me that my son was in the same vehicle as well. I ran for him in the Nadi Hospital. He was lying there unconscious,” she said.

“I saw his namesake at the emergency ward. I thanked the Lord for his keeping him safe. I spoke to the doctor and he said there was a gash on his ear.

“My prayer was this at that moment, Lord I have only one child and if you think if he has other duty on earth then you be the judge.”

And her prayers were answered, culminating in his passing-out parade.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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