Double-decker bus driver was fully licensed - minister

The driver who was driving the double-decker bus involved in Monday's tragedy in Zurrieq was fully licensed, and the bus was certified for service, Transport Minister Ian Borg told parliament on Tuesday. Two tourists died and 50 were injured, four of them critically when the bus crashed into a tree. The driver, 24, was arrested after being treated for shock. Dr Borg and Health Minister Chris Fearne gave a joint statement to the House and expressed their condolences. Mr Fearne explained that an action plan for major accidents of this nature had kicked in immediately, with several off-duty medical personnel beating him to Mater Dei Hospital to offer their assistance whilst ensuring minimal delay to day-to-day operations. He explained how 19 passengers were given medical assistance at Paola Health Centre and the rest at hospital. Seven are still in hospital.  A magisterial inquiry is underway. Mr Fearne said that contact had been made with the embassies of the 14 countries whose nationals were injured and they were being kept abreast of developments. Opposition leader Adrian Delia also expressed his condolences. He said it was  crucial to demonstrate the country’s ability to...