We invite the authorities to visit our depots and conduct any inspections they deem necessary.

These are the sentiments of the Fiji Bus Operators Association after a meeting of all its members yesterday afternoon, regarding the bus fire that claimed 11 lives in Sigatoka last Thursday night.

In a statement, the operators note the 6 monthly inspections being proposed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Transport Ministry and added the teams are invited to do so at all their depots.

The Association added the tragic incident is an isolated one and should not be looked at as a reflection of the state of buses or the industry as a whole.

The Association added the condition of the roads is also a major issue that can take its toll on the maintenance and therefore safety of the travelling public.

Meanwhile, it had been confirmed by Soqosoqo Vakamarama General Secretary Adi Finau Tabakaucoro that before the Association meeting yesterday the bus operators presented a traditional apology to survivors at the Soqosoqo Vakamarama Hall in Nabua however, the owner of Raiwaqa Buses was not present.

The Bus Fire at Malaqereqere claimed the lives of 11 people out of more than 50 that were on board travelling to Nadi for a funeral.