Six students from Adi Maopa Secondary School on Vanuabalavu Island in Lau received treatment at Lomaloma Hospital, and another was airlifted to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva after a road accident on Monday afternoon.
The students sustained injuries when their three-ton truck veered off the road and tumbled near a hill at Delaivaturua Point, close to Daliconi Village.
The father of one of the victims, Tiari Mateyawa, expressed gratitude that his 13-year-old daughter is recovering and in a stable condition.
The driver attempted to control the vehicle by changing gears but could not stop it downhill. Fortunately, the driver steered the vehicle towards a small ditch to stop it, as it would have headed straight for the sea.
One of the first responders was a Biosecurity Authority of Fiji officer, along with some villagers who had stopped at a shop near Daliconi Village. One of the villagers recounted how one of the students ran from the scene seeking help.
Transportation is a major challenge on Vanuabalavu Island, with only one carrier servicing all school runs. Due to transportation shortages, students usually arrive home after 5 pm. Investigations concerning the accident are currently underway.
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