Juaso (Ash), Nov. 17, GNA - The Juaso Circuit Court has fined a 42-year-old taxi driver of Agogo, who drove recklessly and collided with a Nissan bus injuring 11 persons with one dying later, six million cedis.

George Owusu-Afriyie, who pleaded guilty with explanation, will go to jail for 18 months in default.

Police Chief Inspector A. Salifu Haruna, prosecuting told the court presided over by Mr Jacob Boon that on May 5, 2003, Owusu-Afriyie was driving a taxi from Konongo to Agogo with four passengers. He said the accused on reaching a spot near Amantena Junction, drove out of his lane, while an on coming Nissan bus with passengers from the opposite direction, saw the taxi emerging from a sharp curve and driving towards him in his lane.

When he saw this, he decided to move to the other lane to avoid head on collision, but Owusu-Afriyie on seeing the bus also moved into his lane and there was a head on collision.

All the passengers in both vehicles were seriously injured including the accused and were admitted at the Agogo Basel Mission Hospital.

Chief Inspector Haruna said one woman later died at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. After investigations, Owusu-Afriyie was charged with the offences.