Bus driver is charged over crash that killed Tia Cameron, 18, who was looking forward to her career in the beauty industry
A 70-year-old bus driver has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that left an 18-year-old woman dead.
Police will allege the bus traveled along Edward Street in Brisbane before veering onto the footpath and hitting Tia Cameron, before colliding with a nearby building on Friday, March 8.
Queensland Police said on Monday an Underwood man had been charged with one count of careless driving causing death, following an extensive investigation by the Forensic Crash Unit.
It is understood that Mrs Cameron had just had her eyelashes done at a nearby beauty salon and was on her way to have cocktails with her aunt.
She tragically died at the scene, despite the best efforts of emergency responders.
Tia Cameron (pictured) had just had her eyelashes done at a nearby beauty salon and was on her way to have cocktails with her aunt when disaster struck
A 70-year-old man has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that killed an 18-year-old in March
Four passengers and the driver were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The bus driver has not yet been named and is expected to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on June 26.
At the time of the incident, District Duty Officer Senior Sergeant Steve Watterson described the scene as ‘horrible’.
Ms Cameron’s family also mourned the loss of the vibrant teenager who they said was ‘stolen from us’.
Her mother, Jade Te Awhitu, said the loss was devastating.
“She was only 18 and had her whole life ahead of her,” she said.
‘She was beautiful, outgoing and unique, truly unique. She loved the beach, the Gold Coast, fashion and looking after her partner’s small puppies and dogs. She was very close to all her family.”
Ms Cameron was reportedly facing the wall of a building in Anzac Square when she was hit from behind and pushed against the wall of the building.
The incident caused chaos at the scene at the intersection of Edward and Adelaide streets, not far from Brisbane Central Station, with pedestrians running from the crash site and traffic being diverted during rush hour.
WItnesses described hearing the bus crash into a light pole before hitting the sidewalk and “seeing rocks flying,” the Courier said.
The bus has just entered Edward St from Ann St during the Friday afternoon rush hour, when it appears that the driver has lost control and headed towards the footpath
Ms Cameron attended Ferny Grove State High but left school at 16 to work in the beauty industry.
She got an administrative job at the city’s prestigious Brisbane Club.
Ms Te Awhitu said while her daughter loved that work, her interest was in beauty and cosmetics.
Tia was in a relationship with her high school sweetheart Hayden since she was 14.
“He’s not very good, but he’s holding up – we all support each other,” she added.
“I think we’re all in shock.”
