Crash driver 'going through hell'

Crash driver 'going through hell'
June 14, 2007 11:56am
Article from: AAP
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Truck driver Craig Scholl in hospital since crash
Says thoughts are with grieving relatives of victims
Union says driver struggling to cope
THE truck driver involved in the fatal level crossing train crash near Kerang in northern Victoria last week has sent a message of sympathy to grieving families of the 11 people who died.
Truck driver Chris Scholl, who suffered head injuries in the collision, has said in a statement today that he has reflected on the impact of the accident during his time in hospital.
"I just want to say that all my thoughts are with the grieving families and all those who have been affected by this tragedy," Mr Scholl said.
"During my time in hospital I have been reflecting on the enormity of the impact of this tragedy on so many lives.
"I want to thank my wife Di and my family for their love and all those in the community who have sent messages of support."
Mr Scholl, 46, was flown to The Alfred Hospital after the accident. He has since been charged with one count of culpable driving.
The truckie, who lives in Wangaratta, has been driving for the family-owned Canny Carrying truck company for 20 years and was on his way to Adelaide when he collided with the train.
He was due to deliver his statement in person outside the trucking company in Wangaratta at 2pm today, alongside his wife Di and Transport Workers' Union secretary Bill Noonan.
Law firm Maurice Blackburn Cashman has said Mr Scholl will not be able to elaborate on his statement because he has been charged with a serious criminal offence.
Mr Noonan, Victorian secretary of the Transport Workers' Union (TWU), has said Mr Scholl, a TWU member, has been going through hell since the crash.
"I saw him just after the accident. He was quite shocked. (He's) an ordinary country bloke .. one minute going about his work and next minute (he's) in this sort of crisis situation - yes he is going through hell," Mr Noonan told Southern Cross Broadcasting.
"He's been a member for 26 years. As best as we can, it's important that we offer support to his family."
Mr Noonan has said Mr Scholl had been through a tremendously traumatic experience and had struggled to comprehend the scale of the incident.
The driver's family and work colleagues had also come in for abuse following the tragedy, Mr Noonan has said.