19 Nov 2009

Bus driver in Samoa involved in crash where eight people died released from custody

10:14 am on 19 November 2009

The driver of a bus in Samoa facing eight counts of negligent and dangerous driving which caused the death of eight people in a crash has been released from custody.

Felise Tuaoi Ulima appeared in the district court on Tuesday.

Police security was tight as Ulima was escorted to court as many relatives of the dead passengers were present.

Ulima has been released on bail after his lawyer asked the court to allow the accused to attend medical treatments as well as to take part in his family's planned traditional apology or Ifoga for the families of the dead passengers.

The conditions of his release include the surrender of all his travel documents and to report to the police Criminal Investigation Department three days a week.