A 39-year-old woman of Vunivau Settlement in Bua lost her life after she jumped off a moving bus at Tabia, Labasa, on Monday morning.

Her older brother, Anka Prasad, who stays in Siberia, Labasa said his sister, Daya Wati’s, accident might have been a result of a panic attack.

“It’s a very sad day for our entire family because she was a nice, humble and helpful person despite her condition,” he said.

Mr Prasad said on the day of the accident, his sister had boarded the express bus from Bua to travel to Labasa Town without telling her family members.

“This is a usual occurrence whenever she has a mental breakdown,” he said.

“My family learned of her disappearance after finding her away from home for a long time and then finally lodged a missing person’s report at the Seaqaqa Police Station,” he said.

“A family member from Namou in Nabouwalu, who was in the bus had initially paid her bus fare to Labasa.

“We did have some family issues and who knows, this might have mentally affected her.”

However, Mr Prasad was disappointed to learn the bus driver allegedly had made no attempt to contact Police after learning that she had suffered from a panic attack and was showing signs of a breakdown.

“According to some passengers on the bus, my sister had initially got off at Dreketi for a few minutes after having a panic attack, but then boarded the bus again afterwards,” he said.

It is alleged that Ms Wati jumped off through the bus door after she had moved in from the back seat towards the driver.

The driver was questioned following the accident.

“I will now wait for the autopsy to be conducted before the body can be released for the final funeral rites,” he said.

Ms Wati is survived by her second unmarried partner, mother and only daughter, who were all residing in Bua.

“In the coming day, I will have to arrange for them to come over to my place in Siberia, Labasa and stay with us as the tragic event has left a void which would take time to heal,” Mr Prasad said.

Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro, confirmed the accident and said investigations into the matter were ongoing.