A driver has been charged over a minibus crash that killed two migrant farm workers and left many more in hospital.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Fua Moananu, 25, appeared before Mildura Magistrates Court on Thursday, with white bandages along the left side of his face, charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death and five counts of dangerous driving causing serious injury.
The bus was reportedly attempting to pass another vehicle while travelling the Calder Highway at Carwarp, 30km south of Mildura in northwest Victoria about 7.45am on Tuesday, when it lost control and hit a tree.
Noting the police investigation was ongoing, Magistrate Patrick Southey said it was unclear how strong the prosecution's case for dangerous driving was.
"It's not at all clear how, why, this accident happened," he said.
The road was straight, driving conditions were good and there have been no signs of drug or alcohol use, he said.
"It's just a mystery."
Two passengers, aged 43 and 34 died at the scene of the crash, two more aged 39 and 37 remain in hospital in a critical condition and another two in their 20s are still in a serious condition.
One of the men in hospital is unlikely to survive, the state prosecution told the court.
A 40-year-old man remains in hospital in a stable condition while three other passengers in their 20s were taken to hospital for observation.
Police understand all passengers and the driver were Samoan nationals.
Moananu will be bailed once he hands his passport to police, but he will not be permitted to drive, leave the Mildura region, or go to any points of international departure.
A committal mention for the matter will be heard on December 4.
Australian Associated Press
