Seventy-two-year-old Tulsi Ram of Naria, Rakiraki, died in a tragic bus accident near Nokonoko early yesterday morning.
The bus driver for Akbar Buses Ltd died from serious head injuries sustained in the accident that involved a second bus that allegedly failed to stop when Mr Ram was picking up passengers travelling to Suva for a church rally.
Akbar Buses Ltd director Fazeel Akbar mourned the loss of the father-of-two who he said was one of their most dedicated drivers.
“We are hurting because we lost one of our best drivers,” said Mr Akbar.
“Even though we lost Tulsi, we are also thankful that none of the passengers was seriously hurt.”
According to police, a total of 33 passengers were injured from the collision and were taken to the Rakiraki Hospital for treatment.
Police spokesperson Wame Bautolu said the accident happened around 4am while the 72-year-old was conveying 40 church members to a rally in Suva.
He said investigations into the cause of the accident continued.
Meanwhile, police also confirmed a 46-year-old farmer from Wauosi in Novosa and a 85-year-old man from Rarawai, Ba, also died in serious road accidents this week.
A police report revealed the 46-year-old was travelling in a truck driven by a 47-year-old farmer when their truck veered off a road near Nasaucoko Farm on Thursday evening.
In a separate accident the 85-year-old victim died after the vehicle he was travelling in veered off the road in Teidamu in Lautoka on Friday.
Investigations into both accidents continue.
The bus that was involved in the accident driven by Tulsi Ram near Nokonoko in Rakiraki yesterday. Picture: SUPPLIED
