Careless driving charge laid against Ottawa bus driver after Hwy. 417 crash

Ontario Provincial Police say an OC Transpo bus driver was charged with careless driving after a three-vehicle crash on Highway 417 in Ottawa.

Police say the crash happened at around 1 p.m. on Sunday near Metcalfe Street. CTV Ottawa cameras show a bus, a pickup truck and a van were involved in the crash.

OPP spokesperson Michael Fathi says there were minor injuries reported but no one was taken to hospital.

A careless driving charge carries a $490 fine and six demerit points upon conviction.

A statement from Richard Holder, OC Transpo’s director of rail construction, says the bus was out of service at the time and no passengers were on board. The operator was assessed at the scene and released.

“OC Transpo is conducting an internal safety investigation to better determine what transpired,” Holder said.

“OC Transpo is fully cooperating with Ontario Provincial Police as part of their investigation. All disciplinary measures are determined in accordance with the City’s Discipline Policy and any relevant collective agreement or statutory requirements. In keeping with the City of Ottawa’s standard practice, the City does not comment on individual personnel matters.”

A police investigation is ongoing.