Sang Van Huynh faces court charged with dangerous driving after Marryatville High School crash
A truck driver who allegedly drove through a red light at a school crossing and hit two students is “stressed”, his lawyer says.
A truck driver who allegedly drove through a red light at a school crossing and hit two students has appeared in court for the first time.
On Wednesday, the Adelaide District Court was told prosecutors needed five months to gather more evidence about Sang Van Huynh, 60, who they allege drove dangerously through a red light when he struck two 16-year-old students outside a high school.
The March incident left a 16-year-old boy fighting for life in hospital and a 16-year-old girl, later identified as Amity Nield, in a serious condition.
Dashcam footage taken from opposite the traffic lights on the morning of March 22 shows the moment the students step off the kerb and begin crossing the road near Marryatville High School, east of Adelaide.
Police allege Mr Huynh rolled through the intersection seconds after the light turned red.
He has been charged with two counts of causing serious harm by dangerous driving.
Magistrate Kate White adjourned the matter until October.
Outside court, Mr Huynh’s lawyer Son Nguyen told reporters his client was “stressed” and wouldn’t say anything until after the court case.
“I’d rather not say anything until this matter is resolved,” Mr Nguyen said.
“He’s stressed enough as it is.
“As soon as we have something we are happy to let you know, but for the time being, and for the investigation’s sake, if you could just leave it as it is now.”
The accident prompted a nearby tree to be trimmed after suggestions its branches could have blocked the red light.
A third student crossing the road avoided being hit.
After the accident, Superintendent Narelle Kameniar said the crash was confronting for the students who witnessed it.
“There are certain things that will never leave a person’s mind and seeing something as horrendous as that this morning would certainly be one of those things,” he said.
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