On August 2, 1989, a tragic accident occurred on Reservoir Rd in Suva when a bus filled with passengers collided with a car, causing three fatalities and injuring 43 individuals. The accident happened as the bus, operated by the Tacirua Transport Company, was travelling from Namadi Heights to the Suva Bus Station.
The police decided to withhold the identities of the deceased until their families could be notified. The driver of the bus, 25-year-old Joseph Lal, was reported to be in stable condition.
Following the accident, prisoners working at the Suva Extension Cemetery were the first to respond, assisting the injured and signalling nearby vehicles to transport them to the hospital. A witness described the scene, revealing how passengers were trapped beneath seats and the driver was stuck behind the deformed steering wheel.
Despite the large crowd that formed nearby, many onlookers didn’t initially assist until prompted to do so by the prisoners. First aid was administered to the injured individuals by a group of prisoners, and makeshift rescue efforts were organized to extract people from the damaged bus.
Upon the arrival of the victims at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, a special medical team, consisting of doctors, nurses, and student nurses, was mobilized to treat the victims. The medical team worked swiftly to control the situation, using various treatments including oxygen and heartbeat resuscitation machines.
Following the accident, Police spokesman ASP Romanu Tikotikoca announced that there would be a clampdown on public service vehicles to ensure road safety. However, Surendra Singh, the managing director of Tacirua Company, wasn’t available for a statement.
This tragic historical event in Fiji has been reported by The Fiji Times, bringing attention to the importance of road safety and proper vehicle maintenance.