Classic Buses Ltd is fully cooperating with authorities and conducting an internal review following a serious bus accident that occurred in Denarau, Nadi, this morning, leaving 50 passengers injured. The operator confirmed that one of its staff buses, contracted to Sheraton, veered off a bridge and landed on its side in a swamp around 7:50 AM.
Emergency responses were swift, with 43 passengers transported to Zens Medical Hospital, while seven others were taken to Nadi Hospital for treatment. “Several passengers sustained injuries and were immediately transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment,” the company stated, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of passengers and staff is its top priority. Company representatives were on the scene quickly to aid emergency services and ensure that all injured individuals received immediate care.
Classic Buses maintains stringent safety procedures and regular maintenance checks across its fleet, stating that all drivers undergo continual training to uphold responsible driving standards. Despite these protocols, the company acknowledged that unexpected incidents can still happen, asserting, “Accidents, though unfortunate, can occur despite every precaution taken, and our focus now is on supporting those affected and preventing future incidents.”
In light of the accident, Classic Buses has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified or speculative comments about the incidents on social media. They reiterated their commitment to the safety, comfort, and trust of the thousands of passengers who rely on their services daily.
Police remain engaged in ongoing investigations to determine the specific circumstances surrounding the accident. This incident raises concerns similar to those expressed in previous bus-related accidents in Fiji, where issues of road safety have become increasingly prominent. A recent incident in Dreketilailai also raised alarms, where a bus went off a bridge, reaffirming calls for stricter adherence to road safety regulations among drivers.
The swift response of emergency services during today’s accident serves as a reminder of the communal effort required to ensure passenger safety. While the occurrence of such accidents is distressing, community members and officials remain hopeful that these incidents can lead to improved safety measures that will enhance road travel experiences across the nation. The collective determination to promote safer driving practices bolsters the idea of a future with reduced risks for all road users in Fiji.
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