Epeli Mata was sitting at the Kinoya Car Wash when he witnessed a freak accident at the junction of Kinoya and Khalsa road on Friday night.

It involved a bus travelling towards Nausori that uprooted a traffic light and landed on its side in a ditch after colliding with a private vehicle.

The 27-year-old said: “The bus was not full. There were only a few passengers inside.

“The traffic light here has not been working for quite some time now. The private car was at the intersection going down to Khalsa Road when the collision happened.

“The private car spun three times and the bus hit the traffic light and tumbled.

“We are all thankful that no one died. Drivers should just take heed and be considerate when using the roads.”

Epeli Mata.

He said a child, about 10 years old, was among those who were taken to the hospital.

“One passing car took them to the health centre. They were in shock. Police was at the scene within five minutes after the accident and they took the bus driver to the Police station.”

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the accident, which happened after 11pm involved a vehicle heading towards Khalsa Road.

She said the Nasese bus which was driven by a 23-year-old man had nine passengers onboard.

“All nine passengers suffered injuries and were conveyed to the Valelevu Health Centre for treatment,” Ms Naisoro said.

“No fatalities were recorded. The driver is yet to be questioned because he was also injured.

“We advise drivers to take extra precautions during this current weather situation as the roads are slippery and the heavy downpour can affect visibility,” Ms Naisoro said.

FRA statement

In a statement,  the Fiji Roads Authority said the new traffic signal at the Kinoya Intersection was damaged following the major accident on Friday night.

“The FRA has removed the accident pole and the traffic signal intersection is being controlled by signs and cones, The traffic Police marshals would  assist the public,” the statement said.

FRA said repairs to the traffic light would take some time because of the extent of the damage.

Serua bus accident

Meanwhile, also on Friday, a bus veered off the road near Vunaniu in Serua.

Mr Naisoro said three of the nine bus passengers were transported by the Police Special Response Unit (PSRU) because they suffered serious injuries.

She said a Police ambulance coordinated by the special response unit was deployed to medical officials at the accident scene.

“A man in his 20’s and two women sustained serious injuries when the bus driven by a man in his 30’s allegedly veered off the road while trying to overtake another vehicle,” Ms Naisoro said.

“One other passenger remains admitted at the Navua Hospital while eight others were treated and sent home.

“The driver is yet to be questioned.”

Senior health officials have commended the efforts made by the Police special response unit in the care and transportation of the three emergency cases.

The Unit’s Medic Team have received training in Basic Life Support with the Ministry of Health.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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