A staff member of Fiji Prisonsd & Corrections directs the National Fire Authority fire tender.

Quick action by Fiji Prisons and Corrections Officer saved a bus from completely being engulfed in flames outside the FPCS National Headquarters, yesterday (Wednesday, July 28).

The incident happened at 1600hrs when the bus carrying mainly school children went out of control, when according to the driver of the bus George the brakes failed at the top of Macgregor Road.

The bus driver managed to keep the bus under control and managed to stop by crashing into the side of the curb outside the FPCS National Headquarters on the corner of Kimberly and Goodenough Street.

According to FPCS Public Relations Officer Fred Elbourne the screams of the students alerted the prisons officers and their quick action saved the fire from escalating.

“Our officers were alerted when we heard the screams of the passengers and ran out with fire extinguishers to help put out the flames.

“By the time our officers got to the scene all the passengers had evacuated by jumping out of the windows of the bus.”

Elbourne said the prison officers were assisted by staff of the neighbouring South Cross Hotel and other members of the public.

“We are very thankful that none of the passengers were badly hurt or killed and our thanks to the staff of Southern Cross Hotel for assisting us in getting the flames under control.

“The National Fire Authority also responded in quick time and everything was under control within 30 minutes.


www.corrections.org.fj

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