Not guilty plea in Puipa'a death
The Chinese driver of a vehicle, which slammed into a bus and exploded, killing an elderly man in the process has pleaded not guilty to charges against him.
Keiji Li, who drove the Toyota Estima involved in the incident at Puipa’a last month, denied the charges in Court.
Li appeared before the Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu yesterday.
He is represented by lawyer, Leota Raymond Schuster.
Li is facing three charges of negligent driving causing injuries.
He is also facing one charge of negligent driving causing death.
According to Chief Justice Patu yesterday, the defendant has entered a not guilty plea through his lawyer.
“The accused’s plea of not guilty to the charges against him has been entered through his counsel.
"This matter is adjourned for hearing on the week commencing the 28th August, 2017.”
The collision between the Toyota Estima and the bus killed 58-year-old father from Leauva’a, Tanielu Pati Seinafo.
He saved a baby’s life when the van exploded after it crashed into the bus.
Tanielu was holding a four-month-old baby, also named Tanielu.
They both fell off the bus during the explosion but the deceased had managed to cuddle the toddler securely, saving his young life.
Tanielu Snr died upon arrival at the hospital.