Driver, Transport Malta official arraigned over Qormi traffic fatality
A 77-year-old woman was hit by a van near a site where roadworks were being carried out
A van driver and a Transport Malta official have been charged with involuntarily causing the death of a 77-year-old woman who was run over in Qormi in August 2024.
Francis Degiorgio, 34, the driver of the Isuzu van, and Jesmond Muscat, 56, in his capacity as a Transport Malta official on duty that day, were both charged with involuntarily causing the death of Carmen Buttigieg through their negligence.
The accident happened on 27 August 2024 in Triq Isqof Scicluna, Qormi.
Degiorgio alone also faces a charge of reckless driving.
The two accused appeared in court by summons for the start of proceedings before Magistrate Marse-Ann Farrugia and both pleaded not guilty.
Although the magistrate had allocated an hour for evidence to be heard, both the prosecution and defence were unaware and had not allocated time to it. As a result, the case was adjourned to October 7 for continuation.
At the time of the incident, media reports indicated that the accident occurred near the popular Ta’ Kalċ bakery, and photographs from the scene showed ongoing roadworks in the area.
The prosecution is being led by Attorney General lawyers Ramon Bonett Sladden and Jurgen Dalli, along with Police Inspector Wayne Bonello, while lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri are representing the victim’s family.
Lawyers Nikolai Bugeja and Alexander Boichuk appeared for the accused.