Fisheries Staff Dies in Freak Accident
“Workplaces are supposed to be safe, and I hope a proper investigation can be conducted, with the correct information about his death being relayed to us.”
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | 09:50
(From L-R) The late Manoa Tagi. Vani Lewalevu breaks down in tears after hearing about the sudden death of her nephew Manoa Tugi. Photo: Shratika Naidu
Monday was a sorrowful evening for the villagers of Dreketilailai in Labasa following the death of 27-year-old Manoa Tugi at Wainibokasi, Nausori.
Mr Tugi, a Ministry of Fisheries staff sustained serious injuries when an empty diving gas tank exploded at his workplace, according to police.
Police added that a co-worker was using a grinder to cut the empty tank when it exploded, with pieces of the gas tank striking Mr Tugi, leading to his death.
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This information was supported by a police report issued yesterday.
They were rushed to the Wainibokasi Health Centre and later transferred to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
Mother mourns
Vani Lewalevu, 57, who raised her nephew Mr Tugi since he was 13 years old, said: “Manoa (Tugi) was a kind hearted child, always innovative and willing to serve the village and community. He even participated as a king contestant in the Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Carnival some years ago.”
“He is my eldest sister’s son, and I raised him after his father’s death because he wanted to study at Bulileka Sanatan College in Labasa,” she said.
“Monday was a sad day for us when we heard about his tragic death.”
The mother of four children said she was shocked to receive information about Mr Tugi’s death over the phone by a police officer.
“I am unaware of the full details of the incident, but what I have been told is that an explosion occurred at his workplace in Wainibokasi on Monday afternoon,” she said.
“Workplaces are supposed to be safe, and I hope a proper investigation can be conducted, with the correct information about his death being relayed to us.”
She said Mr Tugi was financially supporting his mother while staying in Suva.
The family will have a meeting today to finalise funeral details.
Ministry response
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Fisheries will conduct its own investigation into the incident.
Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, said the ministry would await comprehensive reports from the authorities before taking further action.
“We are aware that the incident occurred, and we will wait for the details from the investigation before proceeding,” Ms Bainivalu said.”
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