Palm Sunday grief for Nadi family after child dies in road accident

It was not the Palm Sunday a Nadi family had hoped for. As the nation marked the day yesterday, a Nadi family was left grieving.

Nine-year-old student Salote Hannah Daucakacaka died after she was hit by a vehicle in Korovuto, Nadi, on Saturday.

Her mother, Amelia Cakacaka, 29, of Yacata, Cakaudrove, said her daughter had been living in Korovuto with a cousin who had cared for her since she was four.

“She is my only daughter. I had high hopes for her. This has left me with a dull Palm Sunday,” Ms Cakacaka said.

She said her daughter had been on her way to a shop when the incident happened.

Ms Cakacaka said she last spoke to her daughter on Tuesday evening, when the child asked for money for a sports uniform.

“I sent her money on Wednesday to buy it, and little did I know she would not be able to wear it,” she said.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the victim was walking along the side of the road when she was hit.

She was rushed to Nadi Hospital, where her death was confirmed by medical officials.

Korovuto Primary School headteacher Anal Kumar urged the school community to honour Hannah’s memory.

“Hannah was a valued member of our school family. She will be remembered for her spirit and the impact she had on those around her,” he said.

“Her loss is deeply felt by her classmates, teachers and all who knew her.”

Flight attendant dies in Martintar crash

In a separate incident, a 27-year-old Virgin Airline flight attendant died after she was hit by a vehicle in Martintar, Nadi, after 5am.

The victim, Theresa Lucinta Evans of Alexandria, Sydney, Australia, was standing on a walkway when the accident occurred.

Ms Naisoro said a taxi driven by a man in his 30s allegedly collided with another vehicle before veering off the road and hitting the victim.

She died at the scene.

Police said both drivers are expected to be questioned.

Ms Naisoro said the accidents, allegedly linked to driver negligence, highlighted the need for drivers to remain alert and practise safe driving.

The national road death toll now stands at 11, compared with seven for the same period last year.