Mississauga Bus Driver's Trial Begins in Fatal Crash Case
The trial of Baljeet Dhaliwal, a Mississauga Transit driver accused of dangerous operation causing death, has commenced in Brampton this week. The case stems from a horrific multi-vehicle collision on June 8, 2023, that claimed the life of 50-year-old Sharron Williams.
Courtroom Braces for Disturbing Evidence
Ontario Superior Court Justice David E. Harris warned courtroom observers and online viewers that the fatal crash video would be difficult to watch. "Brace yourselves," Justice Harris cautioned. "It will be troubling."
David Smith, brother of the victim, knew what to expect from the viral dashcam footage that captured the MiWay transit bus slamming into stopped traffic on Derry Road near Rexwood Road. "It's hard knowing that's the last moment of her life right there," Smith said softly outside the courthouse.
The Fatal Collision Details
According to testimony, Kennedy Bening was on the eastbound Mississauga bus that morning when he observed the driver on her phone while stopped. Moments later, he was thrown to the floor as the bus plowed into stopped traffic at a red light. "There was a red light. Every car must be stopped," Bening testified. "She didn't stop."
The impact sent nine people to hospital, with Williams pronounced dead shortly after the collision. Bening testified that after checking on Dhaliwal, he overheard her telling her supervisor that "it was brake failure" - a claim expected to be hotly contested during the trial.
Victim Remembered as Family's Focal Point
Sharron Williams, a youth social worker and mother, was remembered by her family as irreplaceable. "She can't be replaced," her brother explained. "She was a focal point of our family." Family members attended court wearing T-shirts with Williams' smiling photo and the words "Forever in our hearts."
Contested Brake Failure Claims
Defence lawyer Dan Stein indicated during cross-examination that brake failure would be a central issue in the case. However, transit maintenance officials testified they were unaware of any brake issues with bus No. 1308.
Darren Ridings, senior manager for transit maintenance in Mississauga, stated that regular inspections revealed no problems with the bus's braking system. When asked if maintenance records could be missing, Ridings called this "highly improbable."
Crash Scene Investigation
MiWay mechanic Jason King testified he was called to the crash scene where he found the bus "in terrible condition. The whole front of it was smashed." Police reported difficulty towing the vehicle because the brakes were not releasing properly.
King identified an air leak at the front of the damaged bus that was causing the emergency brake to remain engaged. After removing both rear brake pads for inspection, he reported that "everything looked fine." A Crown expert is scheduled to testify regarding the state of the brakes as the trial continues.
Legal Proceedings Continue
Dhaliwal, 49, was treated and released from hospital following the collision. After being placed on leave from her position with Mississauga Transit, she was charged four months later following a Peel Police investigation. She has pleaded not guilty to dangerous operation causing death in this judge-alone trial.
