The owner of the bus which caught fire in Makoi yesterday is shifting the blame to the previous owner, George Transport, saying that proper checks should have been carried out before the bus was sold to them two weeks ago.

Nasese Buses say the bus suffered minor damages from the fire and they are going to LTA Valelevu to retrieve the bus which was impounded yesterday.

However, George Transport said they sold the bus two months ago and all proper checks were carried out. The bus has been transferred to Nasese Buses and only the license transfer is left.

Chief Fire Officer, Tupou Saubuliniyau said yesterday initial investigations revealed the 64 seater bus was not fully inspected and the fire started from the engine compartment.

He believes the fire started from the engine compartment and the 25 passengers had to jump out of the windows to save their lives.

Meanwhile, Land Transport Authority Spokesperson Ratu Eroni Volavola said they are still investigating the incident.