28-year-old Falaniko Metusela is a relieved man.  As one of the survivors of an accident that has already claimed the life of a dear friend, Metusela who is from Siumu, said it was a miracle more people were not killed.

“I recall that people were screaming for help and then the next thing I remember was sitting next to the crash site with blood streaming down my face,” he said.

 “I am also thankful to the Good Samaritans who took us to the hospital that day, I remember me and Va’a (the man who has died) were the first people to be taken to the hospital by a family from Falealili who were on their way home.

“I only woke up when I got to the hospital and I was treated by some of the doctors who were on duty that night.”

Metusela also spoke about what had happened before the accident. He said he went to Apia to buy rugby shorts for Saturday.

“I waited almost two hours at Lynn’s Supermarket at Motootua when the bus arrived,” he said. “It was already full when it arrived but since there was no other bus, we had no other choice. 

“I was standing on the running board in the middle of the bus because there were no seats available and I remember seeing my friend Va’a sitting on the right side, three seats from the back.” 

Metusela said there were no issues when the bus climbed the Tiavi hill.

“I only felt that something was wrong when we were half way down towards Siumu. The next thing I heard that day were people screaming while the bus kept on speeding down the hill. 

“I felt like we are all going to die, but I was thankful to God when I woke up again, even though I had these injuries but they will heal and fade away.” 

Falaniko’s father Tupuola Metusela said he just thanked God that his son is still alive.