A trip to sell watermelons in Nadi ended in tragedy

Manueli Rokoua was on his way to sell his produce at the Nadi Market last Thursday when tragedy struck. 

Police said the 46-year-old farmer of Wauosi Village in the province of Nadroga Navosa was travelling in a truck driven by a 47-year-old farmer of the same village. 

“They were travelling towards Nadi when the truck veered off the road at Nasaucoko Farm Road in Navosa.

“Seven passengers were seated at the back when the truck lost control and veered down a slope. 

Police alleged a 33-year-old farmer of Wauosi and an 18-year-old student jumped off the truck as it was on its way down the slope.

They had managed to pull everyone out of the truck, and a passing motorist assisted in transporting the injured to Navosa Sub-Divisional Hospital.

Manueli Rokoua was pronounced dead on arrival.

Two passengers, a 40-year-old and a 21-year-old woman of Wauosi Village, are still admitted at Sigatoka Hospital. 

The 47-year-old driver is admitted at the Lautoka Aspen Hospital. 

Other passengers were treated and sent home.

Samisoni Naria, a nephew of the deceased, said his uncle was part of the trip to sell watermelon in Nadi. 

“He was a hardworking farmer. He not only farms but also takes his produce to sell in the market.

“He was a former village headman, and everybody knew and liked him because he was a very joyful person. He will be greatly missed, said Mr Naria.

The late Mr Rokoua is survived by his wife and six children. 

Rarawai accident 

In a separate incident, an 85-year-old man of Rarawai, Ba, died after the vehicle he was travelling in veered off the road.

Police said the 85-year-old was travelling to Lautoka from Ba with his 58-year-old son driving when the incident occurred last Saturday, around midday at Teidamu.

They were rushed to the Lautoka hospital by a passing taxi and were both kept there under observation. 

The 85-year-old man died yesterday morning. 

Investigation into both incidents is underway.