Bus crash puts spotlight on worker transport safety

The health and safety of resort workers on Denarau Island is under scrutiny after 50 employees from the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort in Nadi were injured in a bus accident yesterday morning.

This happened after the bus they were travelling on was involved in an accident outside Denarau Island. The workers had to be rushed to the Nadi Hospital for medical treatment

The Classic Buses Ltd bus veered off the road and fell into the Denarau Creek.

Rescue efforts including those from National Fire Authority (NFA) personnel, saved passengers while the overturned bus lay submerged in the water.

The resort, in a statement said, “The health and safety of our associates is our number one priority, and we are working with authorities to ensure they receive the treatment they deserve.”

The Classic Buses Ltd bus lies upside down after plunging off the Denarau bridge in Nadi on November 3, 2025.

Photo: Katherine Naidu

Meanwhile, the Fiji Tourism Workers Union has raised the alarm following the accident.

Union employee relations consultant Sailesh Naidu claimed the accident highlighted the unsafe and sub-standard transport conditions faced by many hotel workers daily.

“Reports from our members reveal that vehicles provided by hotels to transport employees are poorly maintained, overcrowded and not roadworthy, putting the lives of workers at risk daily,” Mr Naidu claimed.

Mr Naidu claimed the union had received claims by some workers that some hotels unlawfully deduct transport costs from workers, which breached the Employment Relations Act.

The union called for immediate inspections, refunds for affected employees and strict safety enforcement across the tourism industry.

Police confirmed the staff-service bus veered off a bridge at about 7.50am.

Land Transport Authority chief executive officer, Irimaia Rokosawa, urged all public transport operators to prioritise passenger safety through strict adherence to speed limits, maintenance schedules, and responsible driving.

“While mechanical failure, road conditions, or weather may sometimes contribute to incidents, human factors such as fatigue, speeding, and distraction remain key risks,” he said.

“Public service transport providers, particularly those entrusted with the transport of workers, students, or members of the public, must operate with a high standard of care and responsibility.”

The bus company reaffirmed its safety standards and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information on the accident.

Feedback: katherine.n@fijisun.com.fj