UPDATED: 9:50am – The grandparents of a boy, soon to turn one year, were thankful to God yesterday, after they survived a near-fatal road accident.
11-month-old Isireli Andrew Lord’s first birthday celebration will still be held after a Hyundai Elantra they were travelling in got crushed by a truck at Laucala Beach.
According to traffic Police officers at the scene the truck lost control at the Nokonoko and Ratu Dovi Road junction and landed on a Hyundai Elantra and a Toyota Prius.
The front end of the truck crushed the Toyota Prius while the back end landed on the Hyundai Elantra.
The officers said the driver of the truck, was allegedly speeding through Ratu Dovi Road to turn into Nokonoko Road when the accident happened.
Grandparents Isireli Mainavuke, 72, and Inise, 72, nanny Marama Vakatala, 39, with 11-month old Isireli, who will celebrate his first birthday next week were travelling to Nadawa. Ms Mainavuke thanked God for saving their lives especially her grandson’s life.
Mr Mainavuke had sustained some minor injuries as the truck fell on the driver’s side of vehicle. The taxi driver had escaped injuries but the passenger had sustained some minor injuries.
“We were on our way to drop something at a friend’s house in Nadawa when we approached the roundabout (on Nokonoko Road) to wait for our turn to go when we saw the truck coming towards the roundabout while speeding,” Ms Mainavuke said.
“It was a very frightening view and by the time we could think or do anything, the truck fell onto our vehicle. It was fortunate that my grandson survived.
“Every time we get into the car, it is our family’s tradition to pray before we start the engine and go. The accident was a lucky escape for us, especially my grandson.”
Meanwhile the police officers at the scene said the truck driver, Mr Prasad claimed he lost control because his brakes failed.
Punjas group marketing director Gopal Jadhav confirmed on Friday that the accident of their truck. “The matter is under investigation and I will comment further on the incident later,” Mr Jadhav said.
Police are continuing their investigations with two people involved in the accident being treated on the scene for minor injuries by paramedics.
-Fiji Sun
