In a surprising incident in Suva, Fiji, a 10-year-old boy decided to take a 60-seater bus belonging to Khalil Khan and Company on a joyride, which ended up in a crash at Samabula. The bus had been parked in Raiwaqa while its driver took a lunch break and was set to pick up a special charter group from Nasole Church. When the driver returned, he discovered that the bus had vanished.
Witnesses reported that the boy had driven the bus down an eight-meter embankment at the intersection of Ratu Mara Rd and Grantham Rd. Fortunately, when the bus crashed at the bottom of the embankment, the boy was thrown free of the vehicle and managed to escape uninjured, running off towards Mead Rd. A group of boys who attempted to chase him stopped when he threw stones back at them, highlighting the boy’s spirited defiance.
The bus’s owner, Mahmood Khan, estimated the damage to the vehicle to be around $1,000 and expressed frustration about police protocol that kept the bus at the Raiwaqa Police Station for examination. He emphasized that his crew could have begun repairs much sooner if the bus hadn’t been impounded, as it was not technically responsible for the crash.
A police spokesperson explained that it is standard procedure to inspect vehicles after incidents like this, highlighting their commitment to safety and proper investigations. The incident is a reminder of the importance of supervision and safety measures surrounding vehicles, particularly with younger individuals.
In the context of road safety discussions in Fiji, this event underscores the need for vigilance regarding vehicle operation and management. While the outcome in this case was fortunate, it serves as a call to action for communities to remain engaged in safe driving practices, particularly concerning the well-being of children.
As such incidents prompt conversations about safety and preventive measures, there exists hope that communities will take proactive steps to foster safer transportation environments for everyone involved. This may lead to adjustments in local policies to enhance the safety framework surrounding youth interactions with vehicles.
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