NEW India Assurance Company Ltd and Raiwaqa Buses Ltd have complied with a Supreme Court of Fiji order, depositing more than $250,000 in compensation for two survivors of one of the country’s deadliest road tragedies.
The payment follows an 18-year legal battle stemming from a bus fire in August 2008, when a Raiwaqa Buses Ltd vehicle burst into flames near Sigatoka, killing 12 passengers and injuring about 50 others.
Survivors Sakiusa Soli and his grandson, Sakiusa Soli Jr, were among those who pursued legal action against the driver, Kaminieli Tuimavana, and his employer, claiming negligence in the operation and maintenance of the bus.
Raiwaqa Buses Ltd’s insurer, New India Assurance Company Ltd informed Chief Justice Salesi Temo yesterday that it had paid $158,956.75, while the bus company paid $94,393.98.
Lawyers for both respondents confirmed the funds had been deposited into the Chief Registrar’s trust account in compliance with the court’s order.
Meanwhile, in the substantive matter, the insurer (petitioner) and the respondents, who are Mr Soli, his grandson, and the bus company, have been given timelines to file replies, with the insurer to do so by June 8 at 4pm.
Justice Temo will revisit the matter on June 9 for a general review of the related cases.
