Family mourns three-year-old killed in Sigatoka accident

A three-year-old boy who became the country’s latest road fatality will be remembered for his excitement about school and the close bond he shared with his older brother.

Elijah Dibola, of Kulukulu, Sigatoka, died yesterday morning after he was struck by a vehicle in Sigatoka Town.

His mother, Mereseini Moli, said Elijah loved following his elder brother to school and was fascinated by the classroom environment.

“In the morning, they all went to Rock School. He was fascinated with school,” she said.

“It has been the same scenario since Tuesday when school opened.”

His father, Jibola Ofonja, a Nigerian-born representative with the Nadroga Football Association, said the family was struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.

“To be honest, I am blank. It is very sad. I miss him,” Mr Ofonja said.

“I will get to the bottom of this.”

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wame Bautolu said the accident occurred when Elijah was crossing the road with his grandmother.

“The boy was struck by a vehicle driven by a 38-year-old woman of Sigatoka,” Sgt Bautolu said.

Elijah was rushed to Sigatoka Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

“The driver is in police custody and investigations into the accident are under way,” Sgt Bautolu said.

The tragedy has once again highlighted the vulnerability of children on Fiji’s roads, particularly during the busy back-to-school period, as families mourn the loss of a young life full of promise.