Chencho Dema

The Phuentsholing police have concluded the investigation into the accident that claimed the lives of a 32-year-old woman and her three-year-old daughter on August 16.

The 18-year-old driver is expected to face negligent homicide charges.

The case was forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) yesterday.

Under Section 144 of the Penal Code of Bhutan, a conviction for negligent homicide carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison.

The private construction company employing the suspect is likely to face legal repercussions under Section 89 of the Civil Liability Act. This section stipulates that employers who retain control over certain aspects of work must ensure reasonable safety measures are in place, or they may be held liable for resulting harm.

The accident occurred near the Norgay Bridge roundabout around 8:30 am while the victims were returning after dropping off the six-year-old son at Sonamgang Primary School.

The suspect was operating a wheeled excavator without a driving license. The suspect tested negative for drugs and alcohol. The wheeled excavator he was driving was also impounded as part of the investigation.

Kuensel learnt that the suspect, a class nine drop-out from Lhuentse, was employed as a helper by the private firm but due to the shortage of operators, the 18-year-old suspect was allowed to operate the machines.

The deceased ran a canteen at the Food Corporation of Bhutan’s (FCB) warehouse, and her husband, recently offered a regular job by FCB, works as a wage laborer.

Following the accident, the Royal Bhutan Police have intensified efforts to promote pedestrian safety, including a nationwide campaign to encourage the use of zebra crossings and increased traffic enforcement.