Driver involved in 2008 fatal bus crash charged with manslaughter
Edward Gelfond, who drove tourist bus over cliff in December to also face multiple counts of aggravated battery and injury. Crash, one of the worst in Israel's history, left 24 dead, 33 injured
The State Prosecutor's Office filed charges against Edward Gelfond, the bus driver involved in a fatal crash that claimed the lives of 24 tourists in December 2008 in one of the worst traffic accident in Israeli history.
The indictment, filed with the Beersheba District Court on Tuesday, included multiple counts of manslaughter, aggravated battery and injury.
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The bus, carrying travel agents from St. Petersburg, Russia, and headed to Eilat from the Ovda Airfield in southern Israel, plunged into a dry riverbed about 1.8 miles north of the resort town. Twenty-four people died and 33 others were injured.
Accident scene investigation determined that the crash was caused when Gelfond attempted to skirt around another bus at high speed.
Scene of the accident
"The defendant took an unreasonable risk, knowing that trying to skirt around the second bus, under the circumstances, was perilous and may have devastating results," the prosecution said.
Gelfond, added the prosecution, was driving at 60 mph, which exceeds the speed limit allowed on the road in question, and was ill suited for the conditions of the road, as he was driving down a steep slope, towards a sharp curve, with a chasm to his left.
"Nevertheless, he continued and did not slow down even when approaching the curve, veering to the left while knowing it may cause the bus to flip over." The prosecution also noted the multiple traffic signs warning drivers of the speed limits and the possibility of skidding, which Gelfond ignored.
Gelfond was arrested shortly after the crash, but has since been released. The charges were filed in absentia. He will be read the indictment when his trial begins.
