Former bus driver jailed 3 weeks for causing death of professor’s wife

[SibeiKuaiLan]

Updated: 03/24/2014 16:44 | By Channel NewsAsia

Former bus driver jailed 3 weeks for causing death of professor’s wife

SINGAPORE: A former bus driver, whose negligent act caused the death of a National University of Singapore (NUS) professor's wife, was on Monday jailed three weeks and also barred from driving for five years.

48-year-old Chan Mun Hing was behind the wheel of the SBS bus that hit Zhang Huairui at the junction of Clementi Avenue 3 and Commonwealth Avenue West at about 7.40am on 23 April last year.

Ms Zhang, a 42-year-old Permanent Resident and wife of Associate Professor Gong Jiangbin, was dragged about 10 metres by the bus, after it hit her.

The bus was later inspected and certified to have its parts -- like tyres, vehicle steering and brake systems -- in serviceable condition.

District Judge Wong Choon Ning said every case which involves death required significant attention and care. That is why she spent some three to four hours studying CCTV footage before deciding on the sentence.

The footage was also played in court.

Chan looked worried throughout the court session. He showed more emotion and was seen with tears in his eyes while he was viewing the CCTV footage taken from his bus on the day of Ms Zhang's accident.

When contacted, Associate Professor Gong told Channel NewsAsia that Chan's sentencing did not matter to him as he and his daughter had both lost someone dear.

In a brief statement sent via SMS, Associate Professor Gong said: "I wish to take this opportunity to thank families, friends, especially NUS students and colleagues, and teachers and parents from Nan Hua Primary School for their enormous support.”

SBS Transit said this was a very tragic accident and that the company’s thoughts are with the family of Ms Zhang. - CNA/ms