MUSCAT: The driver of a bus that crashed in Dubai last month killing 17 passengers, was sentenced to seven years and Dh3.4 million (OMR 356,000) in blood money for the families of the victims, a court heard on Thursday, the Gulf News reported.
The 53-year-old Omani driver was charged of causing the wrongful death of 17 passengers and injuring 13 others.
Dubai Traffic Court ordered the driver be deported after serving his jail term, in addition to paying a Dh50,000 fine. His license was suspended for one year.
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The Muscat-to-Dubai Mwasalat bus service struck an overhead height barrier at 94 km/h on June 6 at the turn off from Mohammad Bin Zayed Road leading onto Rashidiya Road, where it was due to make a scheduled stop at Rashidiya Metro. The driver took a wrong turn left not designated for buses which led to the height restriction, instead of going right.
Prosecutor Salah Bu Farousha Al Felasi, director of Traffic Prosecution, said earlier that the driver could not follow the signboards as the sun shade had obstructed his view.
“He admitted to lowering the sun shade and didn’t notice the signboards or warning signs, despite having used the road several times before the accident,” said Al Felasi. “His reckless driving, not paying attention to the road, and his speeding, caused the disaster,” he said.
Oman to appeal verdict
Meanwhile, Oman will appeal the verdict against the bus driver, the country’s ambassador to the UAE has said. Times of Oman: “We are going to appeal the verdict issued by Dubai Traffic court on Thursday against the Omani bus driver. The embassy is following up the case.”
