Three people lost their lives in a horrific road accident last night, after the vehicle they were travelling in was hit by a bus near Lami Police station.

Lami Police confirm at around 11.30pm the private car which was heading towards Suva, tried to overtake a container truck which was parked on the side of the road and had taken up a good portion of the road.

The bus which was coming from behind the car, also tried to overtake the truck and in the process hit the car which sent it crashing straight under the container truck.

The driver and two other passengers in the car died instantly.

Police have taken the bus driver into custody and he is expected to be questioned later this morning.