Survivor to get $26,000 plus from bus company

Abigail Kinikinilau, who survived a bus accident in Labasa in 2016, is expected to receive $26,058, as per a court order.

Although she is grateful for monetary assistance, she said the money would never give back her normal life because when it gets cold, she suffers from headaches, pain on her left leg and sometimes dizziness.

The 20-year-old from Solove, Labasa, still remembers how the bus bumped her while crossing the road at the Covata Housing junction in Labasa in April, 2016. She was a student of Muslim College at the time.

“People are saying I should be happy as the court has worked in my favour by ordering Dalip Chand and Son Buses Limited and the driver, Vellaidam to pay me $26,058,” Ms Kinikinilau said.

“Of course, I am thankful for the justice system.”

However, the Fiji National University student said that as a Christian she had forgiven the driver while being admitted at the Labasa Hospital. The second youngest of four siblings did not go to school for two months after the accident.

“I could still remember a private vehicle stopped to allow me to cross the road,” she said.

“But suddenly, the bus came speeding and hit me and I went under the bus. I was dragged for about 30 metres and that was when I lost consciousness.”

Still undecided about what she would do with the monetary assistance, Ms Kinikinilau said she would need to discuss the matter with her father, Inia Kinikinilau.