On August 14, 1985, a bus accident in Fiji could have ended in tragedy, but miraculously, all 25 passengers survived when their vehicle plunged into a river seven kilometers from Nausori Town. According to a report from The Fiji Times, the 65-seater bus, operated by Sharma Buses Ltd, was en route from Baulevu to Suva when it fell approximately seven meters from the Kasavu Bridge.
The incident unfolded dramatically as women and children screamed for help when the wooden planks on the left side of the bridge gave way, causing the bus to tumble into the creek below. The bus driver, Bal Krishna, aged 40, recounted the harrowing experience as the most frightening moments of his life.
“It’s truly a miracle that no one was killed or seriously injured,” Mr. Krishna reflected. He had been with the company for 25 years and had never encountered an accident prior to this. Fortunately, while nearly all passengers sustained minor cuts and bruises, they received treatment at the Nausori Health Centre and the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva before being sent home.
After the bus began to tip, Mr. Krishna described the moment when he felt the vehicle pulling to one side. “I steered to the left and heard wood breaking. The next moment, the bus overturned, and screams filled the air,” he shared. Some passengers found themselves trapped beneath seats, while others were too frightened to move.
Local villagers came to the rescue, breaking the bus’s windscreen to help free the trapped passengers. Despite the chaos, the community’s swift response ensured that everyone was safely evacuated.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the unpredictability of travel. However, the quick actions of those involved highlight the resilience of humanity in times of crisis. The survival of all passengers is a testament to their fortitude and the community’s spirit, turning a potential tragedy into a story of hope and survival.
In sum, while the accident was terrifying, it also showcased the strength of collective action, resulting in everyone’s safe return home.
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