Year 9 Student Dies in Road Accident

The 14-year-old student who died following a tragic road incident at Davota in Tavua yesterday was described as an inspirational kid.

Dead is Eliki Delai, a Year Nine student at Balata High School.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the victim was travelling in a bus from Waikubukubu to Tavua town after 7am.

“Upon reaching a designated stop, he got off to make room for other passengers to disembark,” Ms Naisoro said.

It is alleged that when the bus started to move, the victim ran after it and whilst trying to board, slipped, resulting in the unfortunate accident which claimed his life.

His cousin Timaima Sevutia, 30, said, “This news has broken our hearts, it hurts."

“It was a sad way to hear the manner he passed away. He was a good exemplary student; he loved football so much,” she said.

“We have lost one of our Pathfinder members. He was a Balata College student council member.”

The late Eliki was originally from Toki, Ra and was a member of the Natolevu SDA. He was the eldest of two siblings.

His former Tavua Under 14 coach Shawal Prasad said similar sentiments.

“I was his coach last year, where he was part of the Tavua U14 side that played in the Interdistrict Championship in Labasa,” Mr Prasad said.

“He was also a star for Davota Sanatan Primary School.

“I remember very well he scored one of the goals in the tournament. He was a breed of that kind, one day he would be a prolific football star.”

His body was taken to the Tavua Hospital mortuary and is awaiting postmortem examination. Investigations continue.

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