Dangerous driving charge for bus driver

Sheetal Chand. (Apologies for poor picture quality) - photo supplied

The driver of a bus which allegedly hit a 15 year-old, causing serious injuries, has been charged with dangerous driving.

The 46 year-old man from Weymouth will appear in the Auckland District Court on August 25.

He was stood down from duty after the accident by his employer, NZ Bus.

Sheetal Chand, from Auckland Girls' Grammar, was crossing the road to catch the bus two weeks ago when she was hit by a westbound Waka Pacific bus in the Auckland suburb of Mt Wellington.

Sheetal was conscious when she arrived at hospital and was put into an induced coma to give her body a chance to heal.

Police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty said that Sheetal is still in Auckland Hospital with serious injuries but they are no longer life-threatening.

NZ Bus general manager Zane Fulljames said the driver was still
suspended but he was unable to comment on the matter because it was
before the courts.

"We will continue to provide him with whatever support he requires during this difficult time," Mr Fulljames said.

- NZHERALD STAFF