SIA pilot missed stop sign before NZ car crash
PUBLISHED ONOctober 07, 2014 12:52 AMByDanson Cheong
The Singapore Airlines (SIA) pilot involved in a car crash in New Zealand which left two of his colleagues seriously injured, had not noticed a stop sign at a cross-junction moments before Wednesday's accident.
The Christchurch District Court heard yesterday that first officer Benjamin Wu Yonghao, 32, had run a stop sign at a cross-junction near the town of Rolleston, just outside Christchurch, and hit another vehicle.
Although Wu managed to slow down to about 40-50kmh when he saw the vehicle towing a horse trailer, he could not stop in time. The other car, which was travelling at 80kmh and had the right of way, braked heavily too.
The court heard that Wu had told the police that he did not want to make an abrupt stop, as it would have been "uncomfortable" for his passengers.
The group had been on a Lord Of The Rings road trip.
Both of Wu's injured colleagues were in the back seat and did not wear seat belts. They are still in Christchurch Hospital. It is understood that their conditions have stabilised.
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