City, family settle suit over 2013 fatal bus collision
The family of a woman involved in a fatal bus collision has settled a lawsuit with the City of Regina.
On Feb. 15, 2013, Barbara Supynuk was standing at a bus stop on 11th Avenue near Hamilton Street when a city bus hit a signpost, which then struck the 50-yearold woman, causing serious injuries. She died from her injuries on March 25 that year.
Supynuk’s family and estate filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging the city hadn’t properly dealt with reported brake issues on the bus in question — a claim the city refuted in a statement of defence.
A trial was to begin Monday, but a settlement was reached instead.
“As part of the settlement agreement, the City of Regina insisted that the terms of the agreement remain wholly confidential and as a result the plaintiffs are not at liberty to release any information at all with respect to the settlement itself,” said Tim Stodalka, a lawyer representing the family.
He said Supynuk’s family, “are pleased that after more than five years this matter has been resolved.”
The city is not commenting on the matter at this time.
The statement of claim filed by the family alleged the city failed to repair or replace the bus’ brake drums, left rear brake and left slack adjuster.
The family also alleged the driver failed to keep the bus under control, that he was travelling at a speed greater than what was reasonable and safe in the circumstances and that he failed to release and pump the brakes as it skidded toward the pole.
They claimed the city failed to provide buses with anti-locking brakes and properly train and/or monitor its machinery with the bus’ mechanics.
A statement of claim contains allegations not proven in court.
In 2014, the Saskatchewan coroner’s office issued a report and concluded the left rear brake failed and caused the collision.
The report noted the bus was travelling 22 km/h at the time of the collision and that between Jan. 1, 2013 and Feb. 17, 2013, there were 11 vehicle defect reports filed against the bus, including five for braking issues.
In response, the deputy city manager at the time argued the brake did not fail and was not the cause or a contributing factor in the collision even though it was worn and needed to be replaced.
The Regina Police Service issued the city a $770 fine on Aug. 13 under Vehicle Equipment Regulations for failing to maintain “a brake system with mechanical components that are secure, functional or not excessively worn or misaligned.” The driver wasn’t charged.