Multiple charges laid after Alice Springs tour bus tragedy

The following is an abridgement of an article originally published on the WorkSafe NT website.

NT WorkSafe has charged a tour bus company, its director, and mechanic after a tragic tour bus crash in June 2022 near Alice Springs.

Touring tragedy incident

In June 2022, a tour bus carrying 2 workers and 19 passengers was returning to Alice Springs after a day trip when a tyre blew out. It caused the driver to lose control of the bus which overturned, resulting in one death and injuries to all the other passengers.

NT WorkSafe investigation

Investigations revealed significant modifications to the bus, including a change from six to four wheels, impacting its safe operation. The tires fitted after the modifications to the vehicle had not been assessed and approved in accordance with Engineering and Vehicle Standards requirements. They were also found to not have been used according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Charges

The company faces four charges with a maximum penalty of $5 million, under the Work Health and Safety Act, for failing in its duty of care towards workers, passengers, and other road users.

The director is charged with failing in his duty to ensure safety and compliance, with a maximum penalty of $1 million. The mechanic has been charged as a worker, failed in his duty to ensure safety, with a maximum penalty of $500,000.

The case was scheduled to be heard at the Darwin Local Court on July 2, 2024.

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Sources

Multiple charges laid over fatal central Australian tour bus rollover by WorkSafe NT, 23rd May, 2024.

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