A family of five are counting their lucky stars after they were rescued by bystanders after their vehicle caught fire at Tuatua in Labasa yesterday morning, before firefighters arrived.
The National Fire Authority (NFA) is urging the public to take extra precautions on the road during the festive season following the incident.
They share that the accident occurred at around 8:02am when the Labasa Fire Station received an emergency call via 910 reporting a vehicle fire.
They highlight that a fire truck with three firefighters was immediately dispatched and arrived at the scene by 8:10am.
On arrival, NFA says that the firefighters found that the vehicle had veered off the road and overturned in a nearby compound.
NFA adds that the vehicle was carrying the family, who were travelling to Nabouwalu to catch an inter-island ferry to Natovi.
They share that firefighters secured the scene by switching off the vehicle’s ignition and later handed control over to the Fiji Police Force for further investigation.
Acting NFA Chief Executive Officer Joel Israel says the Authority is the primary agency responsible for road accident rescue operations across Fiji.
He notes the increasing demand for these services, with the NFA responding to 180 vehicle accidents in 2024 and already attending 159 road accident rescues by the end of November 2025.
He says that road accident rescue is one of the NFA’s eight core roles.
He adds that their officers and firefighters are trained in safely removing trapped occupants, securing the accident site, and coordinating with other emergency services to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Israel emphasises the importance of immediate reporting in the event of a road accident.
He explains that for the NFA to act swiftly and save lives, it is critical that the Authority is contacted immediately by dialling 910.
He shares that quick reporting allows the teams to respond without delay and provide the necessary assistance.
He also highlights the role of the NFA’s Paramedic Health Services Department, which provides on-site pre-hospital care during road accident rescues.
This specialised service ensures victims receive immediate medical attention before being transported to a healthcare facility, improving survival chances and reducing the severity of injuries.
Israel adds that these combined efforts reflect the NFA’s ongoing commitment to protecting lives and providing comprehensive emergency response services across Fiji, particularly during periods of increased travel such as the festive season.
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