Christmas plans shattered as Ba crash claims young Father

Plans for a family Christmas celebration were shattered after a father of two died when his vehicle veered off the road and plunged into the Nacaci River in Ba early yesterday.

Mikaele Tora, 35, died on arrival at the Aspen-managed Ba Hospital after fishermen who witnessed the crash pulled him from the submerged vehicle and rushed him for treatment.

His cousin, Robert Sokia, 35, said the family was devastated.

“My cousin had a great interest in cars and loved to drive,” Mr Sokia said.
“We planned to host Christmas in Nadi in three weeks at Flying Fijians and Fijian Drua representative Joji Nasova’s home. Nasova had asked each of us to bring a goat for the gathering. Since then, we had been talking every day — mostly joking about the goat.”

Mr Sokia said they last spoke around midday on Tuesday, discussing how they would present their goats.

“He was a hard-working family man. He was returning from work when the accident happened,” he said.

Mr Tora is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Police spokesperson Corporal Wame Bautolu confirmed the crash occurred at 12.30am yesterday.

“The driver was alone. The vehicle landed in the Nacaci River, resulting in his death,” Corporal Bautolu said. “Fishermen retrieved him and took him to the Ba Aspen Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.”

Police investigations continue.