Two separate accidents along the Kings Highway in Ba within 24 hours have left four people hospitalised, including a 33-year-old man and his seven-year-old daughter, prompting the Fiji Police Force to urge Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers to prioritise passenger safety.
On Tuesday at 5:30 PM, a taxi veered off the road at Natunuku, Ba, seriously injuring the 33-year-old man and his daughter. Around the same time, a bus carrying 15 passengers veered off the road at Taravau, Ba. According to passengers, the bus was speeding, causing the driver to lose control and crash into a drain.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu reported that all passengers and the bus driver received treatment at Ba Aspen Hospital. Fourteen people, including the 22-year-old bus driver, were treated and discharged, while a couple remained for observation.
ACP Driu attributed both accidents to speeding and called on PSV drivers to exercise extra caution to ensure passenger safety. Investigations are ongoing. The drivers involved have yet to be questioned.