June 18, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview

The dangerous driving charges against Fua Moananu, the driver of a minibus involved in a fatal crash in north-west Victoria, have been dropped following lengthy legal discussions.

Moananu, 26 years old, was originally charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death and five counts of dangerous driving causing serious injury after a June 2024 crash on the Calder Highway near Carwarp. The incident involved a 12-seater Toyota HiAce carrying Samoan farm workers, which lost control during an overtake, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries.

However, following negotiations and legal discussions, the Office of Public Prosecutions withdrew all charges, citing insufficient evidence to meet the required legal threshold.

“Prosecutors have dropped charges against the driver of a minibus that crashed… killing two people.”
— ABC Mildura-Swan Hill report

Background of the Crash

  • Crash Date: June 2024 (exact date not specified)
  • Location: Calder Highway, near Carwarp, Victoria — a rural area known for high traffic volumes.
  • Vehicles Involved: A 12-seater Toyota HiAce minibus, driven by Fua Moananu.
  • Passengers: All were Samoan nationals travelling to work at a local farm.

Legal Proceedings

  • Charges Dropped:
  • Reason for Dismissal:
    • Prosecutor Andrew Moore stated the case would have required proving beyond reasonable doubt that Moananu had knowingly driven dangerously.
  • Magistrate’s Statement:
    • Magistrate Patrick Southey confirmed the decision followed extensive discussions and approval from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Aftermath and Legal Actions

  • Court Outcome:
    • Moananu remained silent as the charges were dropped.
  • Legal Costs:
    • His lawyer, Astrid Haban-Beer, is seeking $1,799 in court costs from Victoria Police.

Investigation Details

  • Circumstances of the Crash:
    • The minibus lost control while overtaking and crashed into a country highway.
  • Driver Background:
    • Moananu had arrived in Australia three months before the crash and held a Samoan driver’s licence.

Community and Victim Impact

  • Victims:
    • The two victims were Samoan nationals on their way to work when the crash occurred.
  • Public Reaction:
    • The case sparked concern over road safety and driver accountability, particularly for international drivers in regional Australia.

Appeal for Information

While the charges have been dropped, Victoria Police are continuing to investigate the incident in Carwarp. Anyone with information or dashcam footage from the Calder Highway around the time of the crash is urged to contact authorities:

  • Crime Stoppers Victoria: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
  • Witness Reporting: Contact Victoria Police directly via local station or through the official website.