A 59-year-old father whose daughters were involved in the horrific bus crash at Tiavi last week, which has already claimed one life, is hanging on to dear hope.

Seiuli Mikaele says two of his daughters, Helen and Dilijune, were on the bus when it veered off the road and crashed at Tiavi.

“My youngest daughter Dilijune has been discharged from hospital yesterday and she’s now with her grandparents on the other side of the village, she is recovering,” he said.

But his oldest daughter, Helen, remains at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, fighting for her life.

“She is still in a serious condition and according to a report from the hospital, her hip is dislocated. She needs time to be in the hospital for further operations. We are looking at one month or two months.”

Seiuli said it has been heartbreaking to watch his daughter.

 “She’s unable to move during this time but we are believing for a miracle. We believe in God and that she will come around.” 

Seiuli said he hasn’t bothered to try and find out what happened and what led to the crash.

“I don’t want to say who is right and who is wrong,” he said.  

“I want to concentrate on my daughter’s recovery. This is not the right time to do that. I just want to pray for those who are still alive at hospital and home as well…especially the family of the young man who has passed away.”

As a father, Seiuli said he feels for the driver.

“I believe the driver didn’t mean to do it but there are times in life when we all make mistakes. What brings peace to everyone’s heart is when we forgive each other.

“As a father to these two young girls, I give thanks to God for His faithfulness …and we’re hoping that everyone will get out from the hospital as soon as possible.”

Helen is a student at the National University of Samoa. Dilijune is a student at Leifiifi College. They were on their way home from their studies when the bus crashed.

“The loss of a child is the most difficult thing of all… so even though she’s staying in the hospital for the next one to two months but that’s alright with us, as long as she’s alive and happy.

“Everything happens for a reason.”