A FAMILY of Nakasi is mourning the loss of a loved one. As we go about our daily chores today, the family will be trying to get over the sad news.
Subba Naidu, 69, was allegedly hit by a bus while crossing the road at Davuilevu Housing in Nakasi yesterday.
He was loved by his family. Ranjila Fred, a niece of the dead man, admitted they were still trying to come to terms with their loss.
Mr Naidu was a market vendor selling vegetables in Nabua and Samabula in Suva.
Like thousands of commuters living along the Suva-Nausori corridor, he used to leave home daily around 5.30am and was the family’s breadwinner.
“My aunty, Son Kuar, 63, and my uncle lived by themselves and they had no children,” the niece said.
She remembers she was at home when two girls “from the neighbourhood came running and told us that my uncle was involved in an accident. We were told he died on the spot. When we reached the scene, the police had already arrived and covered his body.”
She remembers her uncle as a happy and kind man. At the weekend, motorists and pedestrians were advised to stay alert and responsible when out on our roads.
Police director traffic Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mahesh Mishra made the comments in the wake of the death of an 80-year-old man at Vatukoula Rd in Tavua on Saturday evening.
The man was crossing the road when he was allegedly hit by a private vehicle. He suffered injuries and was taken to the Tavua Hospital where he later died.
SSP Mishra then urged drivers to adhere to speed limits and act responsibly on our roads.
Pedestrians, he said, must also be vigilant and responsible. Pedestrians, he said, must ensure they were visible and on the safe side at all times.
Our road death toll stood at two then. Yesterday’s accident should be a wake-up call for many of us to be alert at all times when on the road.
The harsh reality is that accidents happen.
But they happen because we allow them to.
We must work together to keep our road toll down. Let’s value life.
Be vigilant, proactive and appreciate our loved ones.
Complacency, and not being mindful of road safety can be costly.
