Twenty-nine individuals are currently receiving medical attention at Sigatoka Hospital following a serious road accident that occurred earlier today at Semo Hill along the Queens Road. The incident took place at approximately 1:45 PM when a truck lost control while heading towards Nadi, striking a vehicle in front of it before crossing into the opposite lane and colliding head-on with a bus.
The Fiji Police Force reported that among the injured are twenty-eight passengers from the bus, as well as the driver of the truck. All these individuals were swiftly transported to the hospital for treatment.
Images and footage of the crash have been widely shared on social media, prompting public concern and discussions about road safety. In light of this incident, law enforcement has issued a reminder to all motorists to exercise heightened caution, particularly on hilly and wet sections of the Queens Road, which have proven to be hazardous in the past.
This latest accident adds to the ongoing concerns regarding road safety in Fiji, particularly amid several recent incidents involving public service vehicles. Previous accidents, such as a collision between a minibus and a container truck, have underscored the critical need for adherence to safety measures. Authorities, including Irimaia Rokosawa, the CEO of the Land Transport Authority, continue to advocate for stricter compliance among drivers to prevent further incidents.
As investigations progress, there is hope that these unfortunate events will galvanize action towards enhancing road safety regulations and encourage greater awareness among drivers and the public. A unified commitment to safer driving practices could significantly decrease the likelihood of future accidents, ultimately promoting a safer environment for all road users in Fiji.