THE Land Transport Authority has grounded the entire fleet of a bus company.
Maharaj Buses will not be able to service any of its routes in Navua until investigations into the school bus fire on Monday afternoon are completed.
About 60 students had to jump out of the company's bus when it caught fire near the Deuba Village junction in Navua about 4.30pm on Monday.
LTA spokesman Iliesa Sokia said the authority was conducting an audit on the entire fleet and all Maharaj Buses number plates were removed so they would not be able to service the area.
Mr Sokia said from today, the Taunovo Bus Company would service the routes that the company used to service.
"We have a maintenance manual that all bus companies need to adhere to and bus companies need to make sure their buses are well- maintained as they are the main means of transport on our roads," he said.
"A lot of people rely on buses so it is important that bus companies maintain their buses, that is depending on the age of the bus.
"For old buses, bus companies need to conduct routine checks and maintenance work."
Mr Sokia said bus services would resume today.
"A lot of buses out there need regular servicing and it's the responsibility of the bus companies to look into the matter," he said.
Meanwhile, the National Fire Authority yesterday highlighted the need for bus operators and drivers to thoroughly check the buses before leaving for their daily routine.
NFA's chief executive officer, John O'Connor said the bus fire on Monday afternoon was not the first case that the NFA had attended to.
"It is important that bus operators and drivers conduct proper maintenance works on their fleet of buses," he said.
"Bus operators and drivers should maintain their vehicles in such standards so that there is no fire risk.
"And it is also particularly important that bus operators and drivers check the engine compartment of their bus and electronic devices in the bus as any defect from this section can lead to a fire incident," said Mr O'Connor.