Fatal Coach Crash Driver to Face Trial
The driver of a coach which crashed in France killing a teacher and injuring several students is to be tried for involuntary manslaughter by a French court.
The coach was carrying staff and pupils from Alvechurch Middle School who were returning from a skiing trip when it crashed in the early hours of the morning of 19 February 2012.
The incident, which saw the coach leave the road and turn over, happened 90 miles east of Paris, near Chalons-sur-Champagne. It claimed the life of 59-year-old Peter Rippington, who had taught at the school for over 30 years. Several students and two ski instructors, who were employees of the tour operator, also suffered injuries.
French authorities have now confirmed that British coach driver Derek Thompson will face trial for involuntary manslaughter in 2015 and if convicted faces up to three years in gaol, plus a fine of up to 45,000 euros.
The news comes as the fight for compensation for victims of the crash continues. More than 25 people who were on the bus are being represented in their attempts to receive a payout from the insurance company, which as yet - along with the the coach company and Thompson himself - have not admitted liability for the incident.
Clive Garner, Head of international personal injury lawyers Irwin Mitchell, representing the injured parties, said, "No other vehicles are thought to have played a part in the incident and to date no mechanical or other issue with the coach itself has been identified. May of our clients are still suffering from serious injuries and nearly three years on still face a long term battle to come to terms with their injuries and get their lives on track."
As well as the issues associated with the lack of compensation which the victims have felt, Alvechurch Middle School has had to come to terms with the loss of a Deputy Head and the after effects of the incident, which look set to rumble on until the trial is concluded.
