Transport company charged over bus crash tragedy [1]
Friday, January 5, 2018 - 12:56. Updated on Friday, January 5, 2018 - 12:58.
A New Zealand transport company is being held criminally liable by a regulator over the bus crash that killed three Tongan passengers last year near the town of Gisborne in New Zealand.
Ritchies Transport Holdings Ltd. faces charges being laid by a New Zealand Government regulator, WorkSafe, which launched an investigation following the crash. According to local reports, the charges relate to national Health and Safety regulations.
The tragedy occurred on the night of 24 December 2016 when a bus carrying 53 people drove-off of a highway near Gisborne and crashed down a steep embankment. The bus was carrying mostly members of a brass band from Mailefihi Siu'ilikutapu College in Vava’u – who were touring New Zealand to raise funds for their school. Forty-four passengers were injured in the crash with some undergoing surgery and intensive rehabilitation. The victims who died in the bus crash were Sione Taumalolo (11), Talita fifita (33) and Leotisia Malakai (55), all from Vava’u.
Following the incident, New Zealand Police laid charges against the driver of the bus, Talakai Aholelei (65) who pleaded guilty to careless driving in October last year. He is due to be sentenced this month at the Waitakere District Court.
Ritchies Transport Holdings Ltd is also scheduled to appear at the Waitakere District Court on February 19.
A service was held on the anniversary near the site of the crash with members of the Tongan community present.