The National Fire Authority (NFA) has issued a warning to drivers, particularly those operating Public Service Vehicles, urging them to exercise extra caution on the roads following a severe accident at the Denarau Bridge in Nadi. The incident, which involved a 60-seater bus transporting hotel staff, occurred around 7:51 a.m. on the morning of November 2.
The bus veered off the bridge and overturned into a nearby creek. Emergency responders from the Nadi Fire Station quickly arrived on the scene with two fire trucks and a team of 11 firefighters. Upon assessing the situation, they found seven passengers being assisted by bystanders, with three individuals requiring medical attention and subsequently treated with neck braces and spinal boards. These passengers were then transported to Nadi Hospital. Four additional passengers were also taken to the hospital for further evaluation. The whereabouts of the bus driver remain unknown, and as of the latest updates, the total number of passengers on board has not been confirmed. After ensuring the area was safe, firefighters turned the scene over to the police for further investigation.
NFA Chief Executive Puamau Sowane reiterated the necessity of adhering to road safety regulations, particularly as the festive season approaches and traffic volumes are expected to rise. Current statistics indicate that the national road death toll has reached 59, a notable increase from 44 at the same time last year.
This incident draws attention to ongoing concerns regarding road safety in Fiji, following a similar accident involving a staff service bus earlier that day. In that case, 50 passengers were injured when a bus operated by Classic Buses Ltd veered off a bridge, leading to investigations into the safety protocols followed by the company. Reports indicate that 43 injured individuals were taken to Zens Medical Hospital while others were treated at Nadi Hospital. Classic Buses has expressed commitment to collaborating with authorities and has begun an internal review to ensure compliance with safety standards.
As authorities continue to investigate these incidents, there remains a communal hope that improvements in road safety measures will arise. The swift and effective response of emergency services during both occurrences illustrates the critical importance of community efforts in protecting passenger safety. With heightened awareness and strict enforcement of road rules, there is optimism for a future where the risks of similar accidents are significantly reduced, ensuring safer journeys for all road users in Fiji.