Minister in traffic incident issues belated statement

Justice Minister Owen Bonnici has issued a statement late on Monday evening after the PN media reported that he was involved in a traffic incident that led to the hospitalization of a motorist.

The incident occurred on Thursday and no statement was issued by the police’s communications office. Bonnici issued a statement after maltarightnow.com reported that two men were injured during the incident.

In actual fact, only one person was hospitalised.

“Throughout this whole unfortunate incident, the normal police procedures were followed and I fully cooperated with the authorities,” Bonnici told MaltaToday when contacted for a comment.

Bonnici said that he remained in contact with the injured person’s family.

Asked why no statement had been issued by the Police’s communications office, Bonnici said he does not “interfere” with police procedures.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry for Justice, only one person – a man – was hospitalized after suffering injuries to his knee. He was released from hospital two days later.

The incident happened at around 9pm when Bonnici was driving his car towards Marsa. Bonnici was driving round the bend just outside the Santa Venera tunnels when he crashed into a car that was stationary in a dangerous spot.

Bonnici hit the stationary car which in turn hit the driver who was standing outside his car.

According to the justice ministry, both Bonnici and the car owner recognised it was “an unfortunate accident” and no part was interested in pursuing any actions against each other.

They are resolving the matter through their respective insurances.

At the same time, Bonnici said the police were following the process adopted in similar cases and, like any other normal citizen, will follow the usual course instituted by the police.

A police report was filed.