Samoa's Prime Minister has urged the Land Transport Authority to be more stringent in issuing licences to people who drive public transport vehicles.
The main bus station in Apia, Samoa. Photo: RNZI / Sally Round
Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi said the authority should take a closer look at the increasing number of traffic accidents involving public transport.
According to TV1 Samoa Tuila'epa showed concern that a bus that crashed on Monday was carrying more than the number of passengers it was licensed to carry.
The bus that crashed was only licensed to carry 33 passengers but 51 people, mostly school students, were injured in the accident.
Tuila'epa warned that companies should ensure the people they hire as drivers are of sound character and of a mature age as they have lives in their hands.
Reports indicate the bus driver suffered the worst injuries after his bus rolled while he was trying to overtake a car.