Bus driver of crashed bus still in a serious condition

The bus landed on its roof and broke into pieces upon impact and those who came to help found several of the injured passengers scattered across the road. However, no death was recorded.

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA SAMOA, 13 MARCH 2023: The driver of the Tuisamau bus that crashed at Sauano, Fagaloa last Saturday afternoon remains in a serious condition at the Motootua National hospital.

Dr. Aleki Fuimaono said the driver and another passenger are the most seriously injured while all the other passengers were treated and had x-rays to confirm any serious injuries and were later released.

The bus was on its last trip to remote Fagaloa bay and was taking mainly workers and students who had been staying in Apia for the week, to spend the weekend with their families.

A village resident who had his wife and son injured in the accident, said the bus appeared to have lost control as it descended towards Sauano village. He said the driver seemed to have swerved the bus towards the mountain side to stop it and avoid a deep ravine on the opposite side of the road.

While the bus turned upside down and broke into pieces upon impact, those who came to help found several of the injured passengers scattered across the road. However, no death was recorded.

The injured were taken to the nearby Lufilufi District Hospital and later referred to Motootua for X-rays and further treatment and later released.

A policeman at the scene said the bus was full and there were also children.

The roads through the mountain range to the remote Fagaloa Bay are treacherous and are susceptible to landslides during heavy rains.