Transport Malta seeks payment for damage to Marsa footbridge

The owner and driver of a trailer that crashed into a footbridge in Aldo Moro Road in Marsa last month were yesterday asked to foot the bill of the damage caused.

In a judicial protest, Transport Malta called on 60-year-old Carmel Spiteri, the owner, and the driver, also a Carmel Spiteri, aged 56 to pay for the damages.

A mechanical excavator carried on the trailer rammed the footpath on April 23 at about 12.45 p.m., causing chaos to traffic in the main thoroughfares of Marsa and the surrounding localities, even leading to some flights being delayed when air crew got stuck in the tailback. Some Matsec exams also had to be postponed.

Transport Malta said the driver caused the incident due to negligence and in breach of driving regulations. The owner was also responsible, it said, because the vehicle was not licensed or insured. The licence had expired in August 2006.

The watchdog anticipated more inconvenience to motorists when lanes would be closed for repairs to the bridge.

Police sources have said four people, including three from Gozo, were being investigated and were likely to be arraigned. They are believed to be the owner, the driver and the two people who loaded the excavator onto the trailer. Besides charges relating to the unpaid licence and insurance, they are expected to be accused of negligence and causing damage to public property.

The charges have not yet been filed because the inquiry by Magistrate Edwina Grima is still open.