SMRT bus driver charged with causing death and injuring another passenger

SMRT bus driver, Zhang Kun, was charged in court under two charges yesterday. Firstly, he was accused of causing the death of 19-year old Malaysian, Sasikumar Gunasakaran, via a rash act along the slip road of Bukit Timah Expressway into Dairy Farm Road. According to The Straits Times, Mr Sasikumar was found crushed between seats at the front part of the bus and his body had to be extricated by officers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

The second charge stated that Zhang caused hurt to 50-year old, Mr Ramanand Panday, by engaging in a rash act that endangered his life.

At around 8:55am on the 21^st of July, Zhang purportedly drove at 78km/h on a road governed by a 50km/h limit and lost control of the 700A bus when negotiating a sharp left bend.

The bus eventually veered perpendicularly across the road and crossed over the centre divider. It eventually toppled over after hitting a concrete barrier.

Zhang, who is represented by Mr M. Ravi, will appear in court again on the 27^th of January. If convicted of causing death by a rash act, he could be jailed for up to five years and/or fined. Causing hurt by doing a rash act is punishable with up to a year imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $5,000.