Hearing set for trucker charged in Broncos bus crash

The truck driver charged after the Humboldt Broncos bus crash is due to choose which court will hear his case.

Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, 29, faces 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 counts of dangerous driving causing injury stemming from the April 6 crash between a semi truck and the Broncos’ team bus.

He has yet to enter pleas on any of the charges. On Tuesday, his lawyer is expected to handle what is known as defence election — where an accused picks if their case is heard in provincial court or in the federal Court of Queen’s Bench.

The maximum penalty for dangerous driving causing death is 14 years in prison. Dangerous driving causing injury carries a maximum penalty of 10 years

Sidhu attended his first court date in July, following his arrest in Calgary. His lawyer has handled all subsequent appearances.

Last month in Melfort Provincial Court, Sidhu’s lawyer asked for more time before making an election in order to go over a provincial report on the safety of the intersection where the crash occurred.

Sidhu doesn’t have to appear in person for Tuesday’s hearing. He would be required to attend court should the case go to a preliminary hearing.