Girl, 5, Is Second Victim To Die After Ba Accident
Rakesh Naidu said his daughter was a kind and humble person who deserved a long and happy life. The first victim, Shaleshni Narayan, mother of 11, died instantly. Mr Naidu was speaking from the Lautoka Hospital yesterday recalling how he was holding Disha in his arms.
Thursday 05 March 2020 | 10:00
Disha Naidu (left) and Rakesh Naidu and his eldest daughter, Tanshi Naidu(right), 9 holding photo of her late sister Disha Naidu in Lautoka on March 4, 2020. Photo: Nicollete Chambers
The father of the second victim to die in the Ba accident, recalled the heart-wrenching moment before the horrific accident.
Five-year-old, Disha Tanisha Naidu, a student of Jack N Jill Kindergarten (Sangam) died on Tuesday night after succumbing to injuries. The accident happened on Sunday.
Rakesh Naidu said his daughter was a kind and humble person who deserved a long and happy life. The first victim, Shaleshni Narayan, mother of 11, died instantly. Mr Naidu was speaking from the Lautoka Hospital yesterday recalling how he was holding Disha in his arms.
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“The vehicle tumbled many times and landed in the drain,” he said.
“In those moments I held by daughter with a firm grip.
“We were all seated in the backseat. My eldest daughter, Tanshi, was also in the van next sitting to me and her sister was seated in the middle,” said Mr Naidu.
“When the vehicle tumbled something hit my hands and it caused me to let her go. She flew out of the vehicle and landed on the road. The only thing on my mind were my three children.
“I found myself out quickly as I could and searched for them. I still don’t know how I lost my grip because I held her tight.”
Mr Naidu was travelling with his three children and his wife.
The vehicle was returning from Nukuloa after a prayer session when it veered off the road, tumbled a few times and came to a halt in the drain, he said. Mr Naidu is now praying for his son and his wife who are still admitted at the hospital. His other daughter sustained minor injuries.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said: “Five passengers remain admitted at the Lautoka Hospital.
“The driver is also admitted at the Lautoka Hospital. Investigations continue,” she said.
The funeral for Disha is tomorrow in Olosara, Nadroga.
Students rushed to hospital in Sigatoka
Meanwhile, two students were rushed to the Sigatoka Hospital after a freak accident in Kabisi Road, Sigatoka yesterday afternoon. Ms Naisoro said: “A bus was conveying students, when the driver allegedly lost control causing it to veer off the road, tumbled and landed in the sugarcane field.”
Assistant Minister for Education Joseph Nand visited the students who suffered injuries.
He said it was a sad moment.
Edited by Ranoba Baoa
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