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ABC News
ABC News
Business
By Chelsea Heaney

Worker's death could cost bus company millions after investigation finds they failed to act on safety measures

Police at the scene of the fatal accident at the Humpty Doo Hotel in 2017.

The Northern Territory's largest bus operator is facing a litany of charges over the death of a worker who died after falling into the path of her own tour bus.

Buslink NT is facing millions in penalties over the incident, which occurred outside a pub in Darwin's rural area on October 26, 2017.

Just moments after passengers entered the Humpty Doo Hotel, the bus driver was fatally injured.

The 59-year-old employee was taking cruise ship passengers on a day trip when, during a scheduled lunch break, the bus began to roll forward.

The woman went back to the bus and tried to open the door to stop the vehicle, when she fell into its path.

She was found by a member of her tour group.

Paramedics were called but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

A statement from NT WorkSafe said their investigation found that Buslink NT had failed to implement adequate control measures, despite numerous other safety reports within the industry regarding the issue.

Tour guide Pat Needham said the incident had been traumatic for all the passengers present on the day.

"I called them all together in the bar and explained to them tactfully what had happened," she said.

"And prayed, we all prayed for her."

Ms Needham said they had noticed that the door was "sticking a bit" earlier that day.

It has been alleged that Buslink NT failed in their health and safety duties and also placed passengers and pedestrians at risk.

The company has been issued with six charges, with each charge carrying a maximum penalty of $1,500,000.

The matter will be heard in the Darwin Local Court on November 19, 2019.

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