Judge’s verdict for Dubai bus crash trial

Dubai Traffic Court presiding judge Jamal Al Jubaily gives his verdict on the case:

“After reading the file thoroughly for over three days, it was clear, and backed by evidence, that M G had taken all safety procedures needed when one’s vehicle is facing malfunction.

“Z K, despite his denial, which he used to try and evade punishment, was solely responsible for the death of 13 and injury of 15 others [including himself] when he, according to evidence from testimonies and accident experts’ reports, violated his profession’s proprieties of conduct when he lost attention to the road and therefore control over the bus.

“It was concluded that the mistake by Z K was that he did not take the care and attention needed during driving and ... did not stay in lane, which contributed to him losing control of the steering. He had no acceptable excuse for this, and his claims of a bus malfunction were defied by experts who confirmed the bus’ parts were all functioning properly.

“I did not find reasons for leniency after the wives of many men were widowed and their children orphaned because of this tragic accident, which happened due to the defendant’s mistake. He gave no care towards the safety of the men riding with him to pursue their lives.”

* Salam Al Amir