For immediate release

Bus Company Offers Full Cooperation

A spokesman for NZ Bus Ltd, which owns the Stagecoach bus alleged to have struck a pedestrian in Dominion Road this morning says the company and its driver are cooperating fully with the police investigation.

In a statement today the company says it is surprised that the police have made a public statement implying that the bus was involved in a hit and run accident, as this conflicts with the sequence of events described by the driver.

Customer Services Manager Steve Wade says its there is confusion over what has happened and whether the bus hit the deceased and the quicker the Police interview the bus passengers and clarify events the better.

“At this stage we have no reason to doubt our driver’s version of events.

“Our drivers are trained to stop as soon as safety allows if there is any suggestion their bus has been involved in an accident of any sort, and investigate.

“The driver informed us he stopped the bus to investigate a noise, thinking something had perhaps got caught in the wheel, but after a careful look around could see nothing amiss on the busy road and continued with his journey. If he had seen an injured person, the procedure would be to immediately radio our operations people for assistance and advice. The steps taken by the driver appear to be in accordance with the company’s rules and training.

Mr Wade said the possibility of accidents was always prominent in the minds of transport companies and their staff, and training emphasised the procedures to be followed in the event of an accident.

“At this stage there is no evidence we are aware of that our bus was involved, but we will co-operate closely with the police in attempting to establish the facts before making any further statement or taking any actions. If we can learn anything to make our operations safer we will do everything we possibly can.

“In the meantime, we offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased, regardless of the circumstances of the accident.”

Ends

© Scoop Media