Driver faces manslaughter

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 12 August 2016, 12:00AM

The driver of the Queen Patsy bus which crashed at Tiavi last month killing one man and sending multiple people to the hospital has been charged.

Police Media Officer, Su’a Lemamea Tiumalu, confirmed that the man faces a manslaughter charge, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. 

He is also likely to face other charges. The 34-year-old bus driver, who is out on bail, is scheduled to appear in the Supreme Court on 23 August 2016.

Su’a said the Police have gathered enough evidence to support the charge.

The bus was reportedly speeding at the time of the incident. It flipped and landed on its crushed roof.

Of more than 50 passengers admitted to the hospital, Va’a Opetai, of Siumu, died from injuries he received during the crash.

The crash raised questions about the safety of local buses.

Asked for a comment, the Chief Executive Officer of Land Transport Authority (L.T.A), Leasi Vainalepa Galuvao, said issues such as crashes are handled by the Police.

But he said bus drivers who are convicted would have to go through the normal procedures of obtaining a license when they serve their punishments.

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 12 August 2016, 12:00AM
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