14.12.2024 10:40
Fifty-four-year-old Simon Mumford, a bus driver in Plymouth, collided with Amallia Elmasry, who was crossing the street, while looking down for 3 seconds to read a piece of paper in his hand. Elmasry lost her life in the accident. Mumford, who admitted to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving, was sentenced to two years in prison and banned from driving for six years. The incident once again highlighted the critical importance of drivers' attention on the road.
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A bus driver caused the death of a woman crossing the street when he looked down for three seconds to read a piece of paper in his hand.
54-year-old Simon Mumford did not see Amallia Elmasry while driving his single-decker bus in Plymouth around 6:20 PM on January 7.
Footage shows the bus approaching a pedestrian crossing while the traffic lights were red.
Mumford, who had a piece of paper in his hand, was captured on CCTV lowering his glasses and looking down for four seconds to read the paper.
While his head was down, the lights changed from red to amber, and Amallia began to cross the street.
The front of Mumford's bus struck the woman, and Amallia was "very seriously" injured.
Mumford immediately stopped the bus, but Amallia died at the scene.
Plymouth resident Mumford was sentenced to two years in prison for causing Amallia's death.
Admitting to causing death by dangerous driving, Mumford received his sentence yesterday at Plymouth Crown Court.
Mumford was also banned from driving for six years and will have to pass an extended driving test to regain his license.
Police Sergeant Samantha Pullen said: "This tragic incident once again shows that even brief moments of inattention on the road can have fatal consequences."
"It is clear that Simon Mumford had no intention of taking a life that day."
"However, when he took his eyes off the road to read the piece of paper, he failed to notice Amallia Elmasry crossing the street."
"This led to the accident that resulted in her tragic death. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ms. Elmasry's family."
"We remind all drivers, regardless of the vehicle they are using, to always pay attention to the road for their own safety and the safety of others."
Mumford was driving the single-decker City Bus in Plymouth, picking up passengers at various stops.
His last stop was before reaching the pedestrian crossing where Amallia lost her life, which was Plymouth train station.
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