Bus driver faces renewed trial over fatal A1 crash

ORF reports that the trial of a Slovak tour bus driver accused over a fatal crash on the A1 motorway near Thalgau in the Flachgau region has resumed at the Salzburg regional court. The crash, in which one passenger died, happened more than two years ago.

Prosecutors allege that the bus was travelling at 100 kilometres per hour in a roadworks area where the limit was 60 km/h. Despite emergency braking, it hit a concrete barrier, climbed the sloping wall and overturned.

All 10 people on board were injured, some seriously. A 76-year-old passenger later died from his injuries in hospital.

The case was first heard at the Salzburg regional court last December but was adjourned while further medical reports on the passenger’s death were obtained.

The 59-year-old driver is charged with grossly negligent homicide and negligent bodily injury. If convicted, he faces up to three years in prison.