A car carrying four people plunged into the flooded Vuniyasi River last night following the collapse of a nearby bridge due to heavy rainfall in the area. The persistent downpour caused significant erosion on the sides of the bridge approach, leading to the unfortunate incident.

Fortunately, thanks to the swift response of local villagers, all four individuals were rescued without any fatalities reported. Anish Raju, a resident of Vuniyasi, emphasized the importance of timely intervention, stating, “After every flooding, the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) must conduct thorough assessments and provide a clear ‘go’ or ‘no-go’ decision for bridge crossings.” This highlights the dire necessity for regular inspections to ensure that such structures are safe for public use.

In light of this incident, the Fiji Roads Authority is currently investigating the cause of the bridge collapse. The situation calls for proactive measures moving forward, stressing the imperative of prioritizing safety over convenience to prevent potential tragedies in the future.

This incident serves as a reminder of the resilience of community members and the importance of vigilance when it comes to infrastructure safety. It is hoped that this event will lead to improved procedures and policies that protect lives, ensuring that such incidents do not occur again.