A 76-year-old bus driver, Ozdemir Zia, is currently on trial over the tragic death of 83-year-old pensioner Edna McLean. The fatal incident occurred on September 11, 2021, near Woolwich Arsenal station on Vincent Road.
Mrs McLean was struck by the bus as she crossed Vincent Road shortly after 10:30 a.m. She suffered severe brain injuries and was airlifted to hospital. Sadly, she passed away two days later without regaining consciousness.
A witness at the scene told the court they heard the crash and saw Mrs McLean’s body thrown into the air. CCTV footage presented in court captured the moment of impact and showed bystanders rushing to assist the injured pensioner.
Prosecutor Nadeem Holland told jurors that Zia failed to properly check for pedestrians before turning onto Vincent Road. Traffic experts testified that Zia’s view was obstructed by another bus and a pillar inside his vehicle, creating a dangerous blind spot. However, prosecutors argued that the driver could have adjusted his position to see Mrs McLean.
“The defendant’s driving fell below the standard expected of a reasonable, careful, and competent driver,” Holland said. He added that although Zia was not speeding, he should have slowed down more and waited for the obstruction to clear before making the turn.
Zia, who is from Kidbrooke, denies causing death by careless driving. He told police he did not see Mrs McLean until just before the collision and applied the brakes immediately. He also claimed that pedestrians sometimes do not look before crossing, suggesting shared responsibility.
The trial is set to continue at 12 p.m. on Tuesday with further evidence expected. This case raises important questions about the responsibilities of professional drivers on busy London streets and the need for improved road safety measures.
Originally published by UKNIP.
