Teacher Dies in Savusavu Accident

A school teacher has died after the vehicle he was travelling in veered off Transinsular Road in Savusavu, yesterday.

Paula Bureilobau has become the first road fatality case recorded in the Northern Division this year.

Mr Bureilobau was one of the six passengers travelling towards Nabalebale Village from Savusavu Town.

Fiji Police Force director traffic, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana, said the incident occurred around 1:30am.

Police said the driver was allegedly intoxicated and lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a bend.

The five passengers were treated at Savusavu Hospital for minor injuries and sent home.

Mr Bureilobau was pronounced dead on arrival.

His wife, Lorini Bureilobau, 57, said the untimely death had left the family in a state of shock.

In happier times... Paula Bureilobau and his wife, Lorini Bureilobau.

Her husband was a school teacher at Wesley Primary School in Raiwaqa, Suva.

They were on vacation at their farm house at Nabalebale Village.

Ms Bureilobau said: “He was going to drink grog with our relatives at Nabalebale Village. 

“They were on their way home when the vehicle veered off the road past St Bedes College at Savarekareka,” she said.

All occupants of the vehicle were cousins.

She described her husband as a friendly, humble, loving, helpful, caring and a religious person.

“Our daughter just passed the first stage of the Police recruitment training. I know she’s now demotivated but she needs to remain strong and focused.”

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