Family mourns expectant father killed in crash

Maciu Lovoni’s return to Vatudamu Village in Cakaudrove Province to reunite with his partner, who is five months pregnant, was cut short last Sunday after a road accident claimed his life.

His aunt, Tarusila Tagibau, spoke on behalf of the family as funeral preparations began yesterday at Wakanilato Settlement in the Dogoru District of Macuata Province.

The accident occured in Benau along Buca Bay road around midday on Sunday.

Ms Tagibau said Lovoni, 20, a yaqona farmer, had left his home last week to visit his partner in Vatudamu Village.

“Last Sunday morning, he accompanied his two brothers-in-law to attend a church service at Nagigi Village,” Ms Tagibau said.

“After the service, they were walking back to Vatudamu Village when a carrier driver, accompanied by a passenger, stopped and offered them a lift home.”

Ms Tagibau said the family suspected the driver was intoxicated and that the accident occurred minutes into the journey.

“When we visited them at Labasa Hospital, we found out that the passenger who was sitting in the front of the vehicle with the driver had fled the scene, leaving them to find help on their own,” she said.

“My nephew suffered severe brain injuries and, due to the impact of the accident, sadly passed away a few hours later.”

Lovoni was described as a jovial young man who was excited to see his partner.

“His parents were saving money to organise a wedding this year. Unfortunately, that joy turned into the sorrow of preparing for a funeral,” she said.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wame Bautolu said four people were admitted to Labasa Hospital following the accident along Buca Bay Road.

One of the four victims passed away on Monday.

Sergeant Bautolu said investigations were continuing because the others remain admitted with serious injuries.