Bus crash driver has all charges struck out

THE driver of a bus which crashed in Waterford city two and a half years ago injuring 18 people had all charges against him struck out by a judge yesterday.

Retired bus driver James Fowler, from Crooke, Passage East, Co Waterford, had the charges against him struck out at Waterford District Court.

Three charges, including one of careless driving, were to be made against him.

Judge Leo Malone struck out the charges after hearing the case had been adjourned seven times previously and that a disclosure order for all relevant documentation had not been satisfied.

Bus Éireann, which has not made public the findings of its investigation into the crash, is facing claims for compensation from people injured in the crash.

Last night, Fine Gael Chief Whip Paul Kehoe TD called on Bus Éireann to publish an internal report on the bus crash in which 18 people were injured two and a half years ago.

“The 18 people injured in a bus crash in Waterford city in 2004 have been left in the dark about the circumstances of the accident. The injured parties have a right to know how the accident came about, particularly since the driver has reportedly claimed that the vehicle experienced a power surge.

“The general public, many of whom depend on public transport, should also be entitled to see the report and I would urge Bus Éireann to immediately make it available,” Mr Kehoe said.

In court, the State solicitor for the DPP said the State was not in a position to provide all the relevant documentation. Bus Éireann said they provided all the relevant documentation requested.

Mr Fowler, who retired with an otherwise unblemished record as a driver, was to argue that the bus crash on the quay in Waterford city in October 2004 was caused by a power surge in the vehicle. After yesterday’s ruling, he said he was delighted it was all over.

Bus Éireann said no case had been taken against Bus Éireann and that the company had provided all relevant information requested.

The bus in question had undergone a DoE road-worthiness test subsequent to the accident which it passed and was returned fit for service. The bus is not currently in service.

Bus Éireann carried out an investigation, but the company said this was an internal report which would not be made public.

The bus crashed into a lamppost near the Clock Tower on the quay shortly after 11am on the morning in question.