News

Bus driver involved in Lakena fatal accident remanded

October 12, 2019 11:25 am

A 46-year-old driver  involved in an accident that claimed the lives of 2 children in Lakena Number 2 hill, Nausori appeared in a special court sitting.

He appeared in the Nausori Magistrates court in the last hour.

Shalen Jattan is charged with two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, two counts of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm and one count of dangerous driving.

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It is alleged that the bus driven by Jattan tumbled down the hill and flipped over on Wednesday afternoon.

The prosecution objected to bail saying that the case is of national interest and the charge against Jattan is serious.

The prosecution also said that it would be in the interest of the accused to be kept in the remand center as the incident eventuated a few days ago.

He further stated the possibility of tension among the community.

He also said that the two deceased were of tender age.

However, the defense stated the residents of the area saw the accident and have said that the accident was not the bus driver’s fault.

The defense added that the surrounding circumstances led to the accident.
She also said that the accused lives in Nasinu area and does not feel threatened.

The defense also said that Jattan does not have a passport and is not at flight risk and is willing to abide by bail conditions.

She also said that Jattan is also one of the survivors of the accident.

She added that Jattan needs medical attention as there were visible injuries on his body.

While responding to the bail objection, she also made serious allegations against the bus company’s owner.

She alleged that the bus company’s owner met Jattan while he was in police custody to say that there was no mechanical fault in the bus.

The defense stated that police should be in control of who meets him while in custody.

The matter has been adjourned to Monday for a bail hearing.

Meanwhile, Police have confirmed that a separate investigation is ongoing regarding the actions of the driver of a private car who allegedly refused to give way to the bus before the tragic accident occurred.