Birthday Bash Ends in Tragedy
Lautoka road crash claims life of 19-year-old preparing to join twin sister in Australia at the end of the year.
Monday 30 September 2024 | 10:32
Sela Ratudradra with a photo of his younger sister Vani, (inset), who died in a road accident in Lautoka on September 29, 2024. Photo: Mereleki Nai
A family's hope of sending their daughter to Australia for studies has been abruptly ended following a tragic accident in Lautoka early Sunday morning.
Vani Ratudradra, who was set to join her twin sister later this year, lost her life in the crash, which also involved four other individuals.
The unexpected loss has left her family in shock as they grapple with the sudden tragedy that has dashed their dreams for Vani's future.
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Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said Ms Ratudradra was one of the four passengers travelling in a vehicle.
"The vehicle was driven by a 24-year-old along the Queens Road near Navutu when it is alleged that the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to veer-off the road and crashed into a post," Ms Naisoro said.
"She died at the scene while the suspect (driver) and three others were conveyed to the Lautoka Aspen Hospital where they are admitted with serious conditions."
Ms Ratudradra's brother, Sela said after 1am on Sunday, he received a call that his two sisters were invilved in an accident at Navutu, Lautoka.
" I immediately went there. I couldn't care for the crowd of people, the police and fire officers who were there, I just wanted to save my sister and lift her and rush her to the hospital," he said.
"Last month she was discharged from the hospital after being very ill. That was why I tried to save her."
Mr Ratudradra said two of her sisters were passengers in the vehicle.
"Vani died and another sister is still in the Trauma Ward at the Lautoka Hospital."
He said the family members were returning from a 21st birthday celebration.
"After she was discharged from the hospital, we always makes uste that we take good care of her and a family member has to accompany her wherever she went. She was accompanied by one of our sisters and other friends who live around this area."
Ms Ratudradra was a former Jasper Williams High School student. She was scheduled to join her twin sister, who is studying in Australia at the end of this year.
The twins are the youngest of eight siblings.
Her mother, Losalini Ratudradra is still in shock.
The three passengers and the victim were supposed to take part in their youth church service (Mataveitokani) yesterday at their churh in Natabua.
Ms Naisoro said investigations would continue to establish the cause of the accident.
The national road death toll currently stands at 42 compared to 63 for the same period last year.
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