Bus Crashes Off Bridge, Speed Blamed

A passenger who was on board a Dalip Chand and Son Limited bus claims overspeeding caused the vehicle to veer off the Dreketilailai Bridge and crash into a river on Monday afternoon.

Injured passenger Ritesh Chand said the driver lost control due to the high speed, causing the bus to bounce off the right side of the bridge and plunge into the water.

Mr Chand was rushed to Labasa Hospital following the crash. He reported that there were seven passengers on board. The incident happened at 5pm.

"The bus had dropped off students at Lekutulevu and was heading back to Labasa Town when it happened," he said.

Police spokesperson Warne Bautolu confirmed the incident, stating that only one passenger was taken to hospital, treated, and discharged.

Mr Bautolu added that police investigations into the matter were ongoing.

Bus company general manager, Rajneil Chandra, said they would await police investigations to determine the cause of the accident.

"We cannot comment on the incident now," he said.

Eyewitness Vinesh Prasad described the sound of the bus crash as "very disturbing."

Mr Prasad, who was grazing his bull by the river, rushed to the scene after hearing the crash.

"By the time I got there, passengers had already climbed out through the window," he said.

Mr Prasad also claimed the driver was speeding, a concern echoed by resident Ramesh Chand.

"I've previously complained to the bus company's managing director about this driver's speeding through the area," Mr Chand said.

Mr Chand also urged taxi drivers to exercise caution and avoid speeding along the area and especially over bridge.

Mr Chand also called on authorities to install safety rails and a speed hump near the bridge to help prevent future accidents.

Resident, Ramesh Chand shows the site of the bus c rash at Dreketilailai, Bulileka in Labasa on May 27, 2025. Photo: Sampras Anand

Fiji Roads Authority responds

The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) has expressed its regret over the incident and extended sympathy to those affected.

The FRA is urging all drivers to exercise caution, especially on rural roads like Dreketilailai, which is a low-level crossing clearly marked by a narrow bridge sign.

It stated that the bridge sign was also part of the safety mechanism alerting drivers to slow down, expect change in road or bridge width and exercise caution.

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