(PHOTOS LINK IN EXTENDED ARTICLE) The driver whose “aggressive behavior” caused the fatal accident near Eilat on Tuesday had 22 prior vehicular violations Transportation Ministry officials report. They state that it has already been learned that not long before the accident, the driver had an argument with another driver.
Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, who visited the accident scene, lamented the “aggressive behavior” of the driver as he explained it, stating the stretch of road is not problematic, explaining during the past six years there was only one other accident in the area. He explained the driver was competing with the other driver, involved in an argument shortly before passing him and apparently losing control of the bus. It appears he was determined to reach a certain point ahead of the other bus, perhaps compelling him to chance a risky passing maneuver.
The driver received his license in 2001, and according to reports from investigators he was not familiar with the road, Highway 12, where the fatal crash occurred.
Investigators are unwilling to announce a cause for the accident at this early stage of the investigation, adding mechanical failure is not being ruled out. The bus’ tachograph is also being analyzed to determine the driver’s speed and other information at the time he lost control and flipped over into a ravine, killing 25 and leaving dozens injured, many seriously.
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(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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One Response
“The driver whose “aggressive behavior” caused the fatal accident near Eilat on Tuesday had 22 prior vehicular violations Transportation Ministry officials report.”
Why on earth didn’t said Ministry insist that the bus company fire the guy after the third violation?