One of the first people at the scene of an accident in Lautoka where school students were seriously injured says the lack of response for an ambulance from the Lautoka Hospital is appalling.

Renae Pillay took seven students in her car when an ambulance failed to arrive at the scene of the accident.

“I called multiple times telling them that there was an accident in Banaras,” she said.

“I called Lautoka Hospital, I called Fiji Ambulance about three times but there was no response.

“When I got to the hospital I told the emergency services staff again what happened. I gave them directions but nothing.”

A team from this newspaper arrived at the scene about 30 minutes later when they were informed that the ambulance had still not arrived.

Fire and police officers arrived at the scene where residents had gathered to retrieve the injured students and transport them to the hospital.

Residents said most of the children were rescued before responders arrived.

“Such pathetic and late response from them. Banaras is just five minutes from the hospital. It should not have taken them this long.”