Appearing before the Christchurch District Court earlier today, Singapore Airlines (SIA) pilot Benjamin Wu Yonghao faced the consequences of a car crash involving four other SIA crew members in New Zealand.
According to New Zealand 3 News, he admitted to two charges of reckless driving causing injury, thus facing a fine of $20,000 and a disqualification from driving for 18 months.
The 32-year-old pilot was bringing his fellow crew members through The Lord of the Rings road trip when he crashed into the path of a 4WD towing a horse float. The collision left SIA Chief steward Chew Weng Wai with serious brain injuries and internal bleeding, while steward Vanessa Leonara Savio Coehlo suffered multiple injuries including a fractured arm and shattered pelvis.
The other two passengers escaped the scene unhurt, and have since returned to Singapore.
Representing Wu in court, Lawyer Kerry Cook explained in court that Wu was new to New Zealand's roads, and had decided not to brake heavily when he realised he’d missed the stop sign so as to avoid discomfort for his passengers. He also admitted to his mistake to emergency services when they arrived at the scene, and helped out as much as he could.
The pilot has since expressed incredible remorse for what he’d caused.
"You were not concentrating on the road signs and it was a lapse of concentration on your part that has consequences for those in your car," said Judge O’Driscoll.
"Whatever the reason [for the lapse], you did not keep the high degree of vigilance that is necessary for all motorists on our roads.”
Wu has already paid $15,000 for the reparations. Cook confirmed that he’d pay the remaining $5,000 as soon as possible.
Photo: Screenshot of video by 3 News
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Appearing before the Christchurch District Court earlier today, Singapore Airlines (SIA) pilot Benjamin Wu Yonghao faced the consequences of a car crash involving four other SIA crew members in New Zealand.
According to New Zealand 3 News, he admitted to two charges of reckless driving causing injury, thus facing a fine of $20,000 and a disqualification from driving for 18 months.
The 32-year-old pilot was bringing his fellow crew members through The Lord of the Rings road trip when he crashed into the path of a 4WD towing a horse float. The collision left SIA Chief steward Chew Weng Wai with serious brain injuries and internal bleeding, while steward Vanessa Leonara Savio Coehlo suffered multiple injuries including a fractured arm and shattered pelvis.
The other two passengers escaped the scene unhurt, and have since returned to Singapore.
Representing Wu in court, Lawyer Kerry Cook explained in court that Wu was new to New Zealand's roads, and had decided not to brake heavily when he realised he’d missed the stop sign so as to avoid discomfort for his passengers. He also admitted to his mistake to emergency services when they arrived at the scene, and helped out as much as he could.
The pilot has since expressed incredible remorse for what he’d caused.
"You were not concentrating on the road signs and it was a lapse of concentration on your part that has consequences for those in your car," said Judge O’Driscoll.
"Whatever the reason [for the lapse], you did not keep the high degree of vigilance that is necessary for all motorists on our roads.”
Wu has already paid $15,000 for the reparations. Cook confirmed that he’d pay the remaining $5,000 as soon as possible.
Photo: Screenshot of video by 3 News
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