Chaim Biton, the driver of the ill-fated Egged 402 bus that crashed on Highway 1 last month killing six and leaving others injured, some seriously, was involved in another serious accident in 2013 which was on the same line and the same highway, but in the opposite direction.

At that time Biton had his license restored despite findings that pointed to human error causing the accident. A number of months after the accident he was indicted for reckless driving but a plea bargain agreement was reached by which his license was suspended for 45 days, he paid a NIS 500 fine and did 120 hours of community service. Police back in 2013 saw nothing wrong with restoring is license and permitted him to return to the wheel of a public vehicle.

Police explain that back then the hearing against Biton was a “procedural move and not punitive” and being that he record was clear at the time, there was no reason to refrain from restoring his license.

Following the release of this information there is talk of police negligence in the case which led to the latest accident with Biton at the wheel.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)