Cops arrest driver in crash that killed Basil

By JIMMY KALEBE
POLICE have arrested the driver of a car that was involved in a collision with the vehicle occupied by the late Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil on Wednesday evening.
Northern commander Assistant Commissioner Peter Guinness said the driver had sustained injuries to his chest but he was okay.
“The driver will be charged with two counts of causing traffic accidents.
“One charge will be dangerous driving causing deaths and the other will be dangerous driving causing fatal injuries,” Guinness said.
He said during the time of the incident, the driver was alleged to be driving the vehicle alone when the fatal accident occurred at around 8pm near Sumsum village along the Bulolo road.
“The two vehicles were travelling in opposite directions when the collision occurred,” he added.
Guinness said those involved in the accident were Basil, his two close protection officers (bodyguards), four civilians and the driver of the other vehicle.
Guinness said police have alleged that the driver was travelling at high speed downhill and was trying to avoid fallen rocks on the road when he allegedly swerved his vehicle to the opposite lane.
“The driver is alleged to have seen the oncoming vehicle and tried to apply his brakes but his vehicle could not slow down or stop,” he added.
Guinness said a passing truck driver brought all the injured to Bulolo Hospital where Basil was pronounced dead at 11pm.
Basil’s wife was not one of the passengers, according to a close family source.