Bus Driver Charged After Child is Dragged Several Meters

A serious incident occurred in Nacka, located east of Stockholm, when a young boy was injured after being dragged by a bus. The incident took place last January as the boy was attempting to exit the vehicle on his way to school. Unfortunately, his backpack and leg became caught in the bus door, leading to a harrowing experience.

As the bus started moving, the boy was dragged several meters along the asphalt. Bystanders shouted for the driver to stop, which he did, allowing the child to free himself from the door's grip.

The boy sustained significant injuries, including burns and abrasions across his back and thigh, and his jeans were ripped in the process. According to reports, the boy's sister, who was present during the incident, noted that he was traumatized for months afterward and was reluctant to ride the bus alone.

In light of the accident, the boy received compensation of 5,000 kronor from the bus company, SL. The driver, who has 23 years of experience, claimed during police questioning that he had checked both the rearview mirror and the bus camera to ensure that no passengers were caught in the door as he departed. Upon hearing the screams, he expressed fear and confusion. When shown surveillance footage of the incident, the driver reacted with distress.

The driver emphasized that the bus doors must be completely closed for it to operate. However, investigators found no technical faults with the bus that could have contributed to the incident.

Consequently, the driver now faces charges of causing bodily harm due to negligence. The prosecution asserts that he failed to ensure the doors were securely closed and that all passengers had exited safely. The bus driver denies any wrongdoing.

This case highlights the critical importance of safety protocols in public transportation and the need for vigilance among drivers to prevent similar incidents in the future.