Opposition MP Viliame Gavoka today asked the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport on what has transpired regarding the compensation of victims of the horrific bus fire accident in Naevuevu village in Nadroga on 29 August 2008 where 12 passengers from the Village of Natokalau, Ovalau, died.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Parveen Bala said the bus fire accident in 2008 in Nadroga was really tragic for the nation.
Bala said 10 passengers died on the spot due to their inability to escape from the burning bus while two died in hospital.
He said each family was paid $20,000 as settlement between the Land Transport Authority and the family members in 2014.
Bala added that the investigation was carried out by LTA, Fiji Police Force, National Fire Authority and the Australian Federal Police.
Opposition MP Aseri Radrodro said that the decision of the court was to pay $100,000 to each family.
Radrodro asked Bala what was the basis of the $20,000 payment and why were the families not paid $100,000 each.
The Minister then said that there was a deed of settlement between the family members of the passengers and LTA and he does not intend to comment as the matter is still before the court.
Opposition MP Niko Nawaikula then asked Bala if the $240,000 was from the government.
Bala then answered that the $240,000 was paid by the insurance company on behalf of LTA.
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