Bus driver arrested at checkpoint after fleeing accident scene

A long-distance bus driver who hit a person on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway and continued driving was arrested, according to the Expressway Maintenance and Supervision Group. The incident occurred around 00:30 on September 15, between mile posts 177/7 and 178/0 on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway (on the opposite lane heading from Nay Pyi Taw towards Yangon). It was found during the investigation that the driver (name, address, and vehicle type are under investigation) hit a man of unknown name, address, and approximately 45 years of age, who was crossing the expressway. The man fell in the middle of the road and died. The vehicle that hit him then fled towards Yangon without reporting to the nearest expressway police station or post. It was reported that the vehicle that continued driving after hitting a person was apprehended at the Hootoe toll gate. At the Hootoe toll gate, a YUTONG-type white/orange/red passenger express bus named "Swan Thet Thar" was found to be suspicious by relevant personnel due to a cracked windshield and a broken right headlight upon arrival at the toll gate. Upon inspection, the driver, Aung Cho, confessed that he had hit a pedestrian on the road between mile posts 177/7 and 178/0 (on the opposite lane heading from Nay Pyi Taw towards Yangon). Although Section 13 of Chapter 7 of the Expressway Law states, "Notwithstanding anything contained in any existing law, the driver of a motor vehicle shall not be held responsible for any injury or death to persons or property caused by the driving or parking of any motor vehicle, cart, or other vehicle not permitted to be driven or stopped on the expressway, or by the passage of people or animals, provided that the driver of the motor vehicle was driving in compliance with traffic and road rules in accordance with the law," it is understood that in the event of a traffic accident on the expressway, an investigation by the expressway police is required for confirmation. It was stated that in cases of collision with pedestrians, bicycles, trishaws, or carts, the Expressway Police will investigate and confirm whether the victims violated the Expressway Law and whether the driver was operating the vehicle in compliance with traffic and road rules. Drivers who are involved in accidental collisions despite adhering to regulations will receive the protection of the Expressway Law. However, drivers who flee the scene of an accident will no longer receive the protection of the Expressway Law and will face criminal penalties similar to those for traffic accidents on other roads, and special caution is advised, according to the Expressway Maintenance and Supervision Group. Driver Aung Cho, who failed to stop the vehicle and report to the expressway police for investigation at the time of the accident, has been charged under Section 304(a)/202 of the Penal Code. It is urged and advised that in the event of a traffic accident on the expressway, immediate notification should be made to the nearest expressway police post or station.