Today, a London bus driver acknowledged killing a lady in a single-decker collision.
At Victoria Station in the heart of London, Olusofa Popoola, 59, was operating an electric bus when it collided with the rear of another vehicle.
Around 8.25 am on August 10, 2021, Melissa Burr, 32, of Rainham, Kent, was crossing in front of and behind the two 507 single deckers when they collided.
She was struck and eventually passed away from her wounds.
On August 10, 2021, Olusofa Popoola, 59, was operating an electric bus when it collided with the rear of another bus at Victoria Station in the heart of London.
James Watson and Ms. Burr, both of Rainham, Kent, have been dating since May 2018. (pictured together)
Popoola acknowledged guilt today at the Old Bailey as Ms. Burr’s family sat in the audience in the public gallery. He was dressed in a suit.
He has been put to trial on the remaining counts after the judge rejected his pleas.
He denied operating a vehicle recklessly during the incident that killed him and critically injured Diana Mathuranayagam.
Before his trial, which will take place at the same court on a future date, the bus driver was given unconditional bail.
Diana Mathuranayagam, also from Peckham, is accused of being gravely hurt in the same collision by Popoola.
In August, she was declared dead at the site of the collision outside London Victoria.
“I cannot give you a date when you will be back at this court for trial, but a date will be provided to you in due time,” said Judge Angela Rafferty.
After Ms. Burr’s death, her family issued a statement in which they said: “We are profoundly grieved by the loss and the void that this occurrence has left in our lives.”
Melissa was described as having a caring and compassionate spirit, a quirky appeal, and a promising future.
Popoola, a Peckham resident, agrees to causing fatal crashes via careless driving but denies causing fatal crashes and severe injuries through risky driving.