Fua Moananu accused of dangerous driving in fatal farm crash in Carwarp near Mildura

A bus driver accused of dangerous driving that police say led to a crash that killed two farm workers and injured five others in Carwarp near Mildura has faced court.

Police at the scene of a horror minibus crash in Carwarp in June. Picture: Stuart Kavanagh.

A Samoan national who was behind the wheel of a bus involved in a fatal rollover near Mildura that killed two people and injured five more has had his committal hearing set for March next year.

Supported in court today by a representative from his employer, Fua Moananu fronted Mildura Magistrates’ Court over allegations his driving caused the horror Carwarp crash.

Fua Moananu outside Mildura Magistrates' Court after his latest hearing. Picture: Stuart Kavanagh

Mr Moananu has been charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death and five counts of dangerous driving causing serious injury.

The crash occurred in June this year while he was driving a 12-seater Toyota Hiace minibus south along the Calder Highway. The bus, which was transporting international workers to farms in the region, rolled over, leading to the deaths of two passengers, including fellow Samoan Siu Manu.

Mr Manu’s loved ones described his death as “difficult and painful”.

Samoan farmer worker Siu Manu died in a horror bus crash in Carwarp in June. Picture: Supplied

All the bus passengers were Samoan nationals working on farms in and around the region.

Three witnesses, including a forensic police officer who examined the vehicle, are expected to give evidence at the committal hearing.

Mr Moananu remained still as Magistrate Patrick Southey told him that his bail conditions would remain the same.

Mr Moananu will front a committal hearing on March 25 at Mildura Magistrates'’ Court.

Mr Moananu — who only arrived in Australia on a temporary work visa in March and holds a Samoan driver’s licence — is barred from driving, had to surrender his passport, must report to Mildura police station on Mondays and Fridays and live at the same address.

He also must obey a 10pm to 5am curfew.

Mr Moananu’s committal hearing is slated for March 25.