As the inquiry into the bus fire near Naevuevu in Sigatoka continues, there are more revelations which suggest that the bus involved in the tragic accident had mechanical problems.

Some of the passengers have confirmed that the Raiwaqa bus was having problems from when it loaded the passengers near Korovou Prison on Thursday evening.

A concerned passenger from Ovalau Esala Tawake said he questioned the driver when he saw the black smoke if the bus had a fire extinguisher but the driver replied no.

Tawake said while travelling he saw that the driver was having a lot of trouble with the changing of gears and controlling the steering wheel.

The driver was also finding difficulties in driving the bus up hills and it was really hot inside the bus.

Tawake said the driver tried his very best to take the passengers to their destination but his efforts failed as the bus failed to stop.

He said because the bus was filled with smoke, people were suffocating and could not breathe but were looking for a way out to escape from the fire.

However, the owners of the Raiwaqa Bus said the bus was in top condition before leaving for Nadi on Thursday night.