Twenty-nine people are receiving medical care at Sigatoka Hospital following a serious road accident that unfolded earlier today at Semo Hill along the Queens Road. The incident occurred around 1:45 PM when a truck lost control while driving towards Nadi, colliding with a vehicle in its path before swerving into oncoming traffic and crashing head-on into a bus.
The Fiji Police Force confirmed that among those injured, there are 28 passengers from the bus as well as the truck driver. Emergency services promptly transported all victims to the hospital for treatment.
Images and videos of the accident have proliferated on social media, fueling public concern and discussions surrounding road safety. In response to this alarming incident, law enforcement has stressed the importance of heightened caution for all motorists, particularly in hilly areas and on wet sections of the Queens Road, which have historically posed dangers.
This accident raises ongoing worries about road safety across Fiji, especially in light of several recent incidents involving public transport vehicles. Previous accidents, including a collision between a minibus and a container truck, have highlighted the urgent need for strict adherence to safety measures. Officials, including Irimaia Rokosawa, CEO of the Land Transport Authority, are vocal about enforcing stronger compliance among drivers to avert future tragedies.
As investigations into this incident continue, there is hope that these unfortunate events will spur actionable improvements to road safety regulations and foster increased awareness among both drivers and the general public. A collective resolve toward safer driving practices could significantly reduce the likelihood of future accidents, ultimately creating a safer environment for all road users in Fiji.