Families Devastated Over Sons Tragic Accident

Two families are grieving after a tragic accident on Wailoaloa Road early Sunday morning claimed the lives of their 17-year-old sons.

The victims, Samisoni Bale and Salesi Vakatawa, a student of Lelean Memorial School (LMS) in Nausori, were travelling in a vehicle when the crash occurred.

The driver, an aircraft engineer in his 30s, is in police custody.

Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew emphasised that neglecting road safety advisories has dire consequences.

Preliminary investigations have alleged that speeding and alcohol consumption may have been factors in the accident.

Salesi's mother, Adi Halaiwalu Vika, expressed her family's shock and devastation.

"I have six daughters, and he was my only son. I had high hopes for him," Ms Vika lamented.

"We waited for him to return by 8pm, only to receive the devastating news.”

Samisoni’s mother, Mere Makitalena, 47, last spoke with her son on Saturday afternoon when he had just returned from working on a sugarcane field.

“He mentioned he was going to Martintar and would be back later. He was taking a break year before resuming his education next year,” Ms Makitalena recalled emotionally.

Adi Halaiwalu Vika with husband Ilikena Waqabaca Neivusa holds a photo of their son, Salesi Vakatawa at their home in Malolo, Nadi. Photo: Waisea Nasokia/ Inset: Salesi Vakatawa

Samisoni was the eldest of two siblings. 

Police reported that Samisoni and Salesi sustained fatal injuries when the vehicle, which lacked a canopy, veered off the road and overturned near a tree.

The boys, along with two other passengers seated in the vehicle’s tray, were thrown from the vehicle during the accident. The driver reportedly lost control while trying to overtake another vehicle.

The remaining three occupants were rushed to Nadi Hospital with serious injuries. The families are awaiting today’s post-mortem results to make funeral arrangements.

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