On August 14, 1985, a bus accident near Nausori Town could have resulted in tragedy, but thanks to quick thinking and assistance, 25 passengers narrowly escaped death. The 65-seater bus, operated by Sharma Buses Ltd, was on its regular route from Baulevu to Suva when it plunged seven meters from the Kasavu Bridge, after the support planks on one side broke.
The driver, Bal Krishna, recalled the harrowing minutes of the incident as the most frightening of his life. “It’s a miracle that none of the passengers were killed or seriously hurt,” he said, acknowledging the intense fear experienced by those on board. Krishna, who had three decades of driving experience, suffered minor injuries himself, including cuts and bruises, alongside several passengers who sustained similar injuries.
As the bus started to tilt, Krishna tried to regain control but was met with shouts and screams as panic set in among the passengers. Some individuals even found themselves trapped, while others were understandably too frightened to move.
Local villagers came to the rescue, helping to free the passengers by breaking the bus’s windscreen and assisting them one by one. Most passengers received treatment for their injuries at Nausori Health Centre and the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva before returning home.
This incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support in times of crisis. It highlights how collective efforts in the face of adversity can lead to positive outcomes, even in dire situations. The resilience displayed by both the passengers and the local community is commendable and showcases the human spirit’s capability to overcome challenges.
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