Police continue investigating suspected bridge arson

Police are continuing investigations into the fire that damaged the Waidamudamu Bridge in Vunimoli, Labasa, with no charges laid nearly four months after the incident on February 1.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wame Bautolu said investigations were ongoing to determine whether the fire was a suspected case of arson.

Sergeant Bautolu said no arrests or charges had been made so far.

Initial reports suggested the blaze may have been deliberately lit after tyres were found piled on the bridge along with steel wire. An odour of kerosene was also reportedly detected when reporters visited the site.

The National Fire Authority (NFA) said its Labasa team found three tyres burning on top of the bridge, causing the wooden surface to catch fire.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and secured the scene for Police investigations.

An internal NFA assessment estimated that about five to 10 per cent of the bridge structure was damaged.

Although a new bridge has since been constructed by the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), Police said investigations into the original fire remain ongoing.