Driver who caused deaths of two people sentenced to 10 years in prison

In early January this year, a bus carrying 47 passengers overturned in Tomdi district, Navoi region, leaving two people dead. The bus driver has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with the case. QALAMPIR.UZ reviewed the court document.

According to the document, the case was heard on June 11 this year at the Tomdi District Criminal Court. During the court hearing, the 40-year-old driver, Sh.X., fully admitted his guilt. According to him, while driving, he picked up a water bottle on his left side and drank from it. After that, he lost the bottle cap and, although he was driving the bus, began looking for it. He turned on the bus interior light and started searching for the cap. At that moment, he bent down to look and one of his hands turned the steering wheel to the right. The driver then lost control of the bus and drove onto a hilly area. The front right wheel of the bus went into and out of a ditch, after which the driver himself was thrown and fell. The bus then went downhill and overturned onto its right side. The driver also fell onto his partner but did not lose consciousness.

After that, they helped the passengers and assisted them in getting out of the bus. About 35-40 minutes later, employees of the Emergency Situations Department and emergency medical services arrived. Internal affairs officers then carried out an inquiry into the incident.

By court verdict, Sh.X. was found guilty under Article 266, Part 3, Clause “a” of the Criminal Code, which covers violation of traffic safety or vehicle operation rules. He was deprived of the right to drive all types of vehicles for three years and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He will serve his sentence in a settlement colony.

Earlier, it was reported that two passengers died at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident. Nine other citizens who suffered various injuries were hospitalized.