A young girl’s life was tragically cut short in a drug driving fatal crash that shook a quiet south-east London suburb. On Monday, June 9, 23-year-old bus driver Martin Asolo-Ogugua was sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to causing the death of nine-year-old Ada Bicakci while under the influence of cannabis.
Asolo-Ogugua, of Banfield Road, Southwark, had smoked cannabis the night before the fatal incident. He then fell asleep at the wheel, veering the bus onto the pavement and striking Ada as she cycled alongside her family.
The incident occurred at around 9am on Saturday, 3 August 2024, on Watling Street near the junction with Halcot Avenue in Bexleyheath. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene where two children were injured—Ada was critically hurt.
Despite the best efforts of medics, Ada succumbed to her injuries in hospital two days later. Her family suffered only minor injuries after managing to dodge the oncoming bus.
Her father, Bora Bicakci, delivered an emotional tribute in court, painting a harrowing picture of the family’s grief.
“The images of that horrific moment remain seared into my mind. That scene replays endlessly, a constant reminder of the day my world fractured beyond repair. This tragedy happened on my watch, a father’s ultimate failure. My world has been turned upside down, and with it, the foundations of my family have crumbled.
My darling Ada. Our thanks are not enough to show our gratitude for you. We will honour your name with acts of magnitude. You will never be forgotten. We will make this story one of love and thanks that we owe everybody. Your presence and passing will leave a mark in this country, and we will fight to make drug driving a part of its history.”
Following the crash, Asolo-Ogugua failed a roadside drug test and was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving under the influence. CCTV footage from the area helped police build their case, leading to charges filed on Thursday, 13 February.
The driver pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday, 22 April. In addition to the four-year custodial sentence, Asolo-Ogugua has been disqualified from driving for seven years.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Miranda Jollie from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Asolo-Ogugua was reckless and utterly selfish to get behind the wheel of a bus after consuming drugs and put many lives at risk that day.
His actions have robbed a young girl of her entire life. Our thoughts remain with Ada’s family and friends as they try to come to terms with their unimaginable loss. I hope his sentence today can help to bring some closure for Ada’s family and highlight the devastating consequences of drug driving.”
This drug driving fatal crash has not only left a community in mourning but also sparked wider concerns over the dangers of drug-impaired driving. Ada’s father has vowed to campaign for tougher measures to prevent similar tragedies.
Key Takeaways:
- Victim: Ada Bicakci, 9, killed by a drug-impaired bus driver.
- Location: Bexleyheath, South-East London.
- Date of Incident: Saturday, 3 August 2024.
- Sentence: 4 years imprisonment and a 7-year driving ban.
- Cause: The Driver had taken cannabis the night before and fell asleep at the wheel.
- Impact: Renewed calls for stricter drug driving laws.
As Ada’s family grapples with unimaginable pain, the hope is that this tragedy serves as a wake-up call. Drug driving must no longer be tolerated on Britain’s roads.
