A tragic incident occurred in Lausa, Tavua, around noon yesterday, resulting in the death of a 55-year-old man and serious injuries to a 44-year-old man. Both victims were employees of the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) and were transporting sugarcane to the Rarawai Mill in Ba at the time of the accident.
The injured man has been admitted to Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital. Eyewitnesses reported that the locomotive derailed off the Lausa FSC Train lane bridge. According to Senior Superintendent of Police Iakabo Vaisewa, the locomotive tipped to the left and fell about five meters into a dry creek along with several cane carts.
Both men were trapped inside the locomotive, and officers from the Tavua Police and Fire Station were called to the scene for rescue. A police investigation is currently underway.
National Fire Authority chief fire officer Qionilau Moceitai stated that the rescue operation involved 18 officers who utilized a block and tackle method, along with welding tools, to free the trapped individuals, as a crane could not reach the location. An eyewitness suggested that the accident was caused by a wheel coming off the axle while the locomotive was in transit.
Lausa advisory councilor Jai Kissun confirmed that the rescue efforts were successful by around 3 PM. The FSC chief executive officer, Bhan Pratap Singh, chose not to comment when reached for further information regarding the accident.