Another Brisbane bus driver to face court over death of pedestrian
By Sean Parnell
A 59-year-old bus driver has been charged with manslaughter over a late night collision that killed a pedestrian on June 28.
The pedestrian, a man in his 40s, was declared dead at the scene of the collision on Melbourne Street at South Brisbane, near the intersection of Cordelia Street.
In a statement on Friday, Queensland police said an investigation by the Forensic Crash Unit had led to the driver of the City Glider service being charged.
The Forensic Crash Unit investigates the site.Credit: Tony Moore
It was not immediately known why police opted for a manslaughter charge and not a traffic-related offence.
The North Lakes man was due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.
The collision occurred only days after another bus driver appeared in court over the death of pedestrian Tia Cameron in the Brisbane CBD. In that case, which is ongoing, Lindsay Francis Selby, 70, was charged with one count of driving without due care and attention causing death.
A coronial inquest has also been examining the 2021 death of cyclist Max McDowall after a collision with a City Glider bus.
Brisbane City Council has since vowed to bring forward annual driver health assessments from 75 years of age to 60, prompting the bus drivers’ union to declare timetable pressures a bigger issue deserving attention.
A council spokeswoman declined to comment on the latest case while it was before the court.
“This charge will come as a real shock to many Brisbane residents and our heart goes out to the man’s family and friends,” the spokesman said.
“Council has worked closely with the Queensland Police Service and will continue to provide whatever assistance is required.”