An Auckland bus driver has been stood down after a passenger was allegedly assaulted and later died in hospital.
Police said the man in his 60s had been found unconscious with head injuries at a bus stop on Great South Rd in Papatoetoe at around 2.15pm on April 27.
He was taken to Auckland Hospital’s intensive care unit but died of his injuries on Wednesday.
A 34-year-old man was arrested and appeared in the Manukau District Court on Thursday, charged with assault.
Auckland Transport confirmed a driver who worked for contracted provider Go Bus was stood down from work.
“We were devastated to hear about this incident and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic event,” director public transport and active modes Stacey van der Putten said.
“We can confirm that a bus driver employed by Go Bus has been stood down following the incident.
“AT is taking this incident extremely seriously, and both AT and Go Bus are assisting police with their investigation into the incident.”
In a statement on Thursday, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward said further charges could be laid.
