Eight injured in bus and van crash in Samoa

Apia, SAMOA — Eight people were rushed to hospital after a bus and a rental minivan collided causing the bus to go down a cliff at Tiavi along the Cross Island Road on Wednesday afternoon around 3pm.

The passengers of the minivan were the ones who suffered more serious injuries. According to eyewitnesses, the rental vehicle was speeding downhill on the wet road.

The bus, which belongs to the Queen Tainarez bus company in Mulivai Safata was going uphill heading to Apia when the collision happened.

The driver of the bus sustained a minor scratch on his mouth while the driver of the rental car had a massive piece of wood from the bus pierce through his shoulder.

The rest of the six passengers, from the bus and the rental were taken to hospital for serious injuries.

A law enforcement official at the accident scene said initial investigations show that the rental vehicle was speeding downhill.

"The good thing is, no one lost their lives and it's a good lesson for those driving this way and any bends like this. Everyone should understand by now that no one speeds either driving up or down any hill or bend as it's risky especially on a wet road," he said.

Read more at Samoa Observer