Following the tragic death of Year 9 student, Eliki Delai, in an accident in Davota, Tavua, Minister for Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau has directed the Land Transport Authority to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure measures are taken to prevent similar occurrences.
Police say Delai was travelling in a bus from Waikubukubu to Tavua Town yesterday morning.
Upon reaching a designated stop, he got off to make room for other passengers to disembark.
It is alleged that as the bus started to move, Delai ran after it, slipped, and was run over.
While conveying his sincere condolences to Delai’s parents, family, and relatives, Ro Filipe says the student had his whole life ahead of him, and the accident has tragically cut it short.
He says his death is a painful reminder of the accidents that can happen on the roads and the ongoing need for everyone to be vigilant and careful.
The Minister says road safety is paramount and that we must ensure our children are safe when travelling to and from school.
He says while they are working to strengthen road safety, this incident serves as a wake-up call for entities within his Ministry to do more in terms of monitoring risks, ensuring compliance, and managing these issues more efficiently and effectively to minimise dangers to the travelling public.
The Minister also stresses that bus drivers must be vigilant and extra careful with children.
