A 9-year-old girl was fatally struck by a bus driver who fell asleep behind the wheel and veered onto a London sidewalk—now, nearly a year later, her grieving parents are speaking out, calling the crash a “senseless act” that was completely avoidable.
Ada Zeynep Bicakci was riding her bike to gymnastics class with her father and younger brother in August 2024 when 23-year-old bus driver Martin Asolo-Ogugua suddenly lost control of his vehicle. The bus mounted the curb and slammed into the child, who was left clinging to life.
She was rushed to the hospital, but died two days later from her injuries.
A drug test at the scene revealed that Asolo-Ogugua had cannabis in his system, having smoked the night before. In court, prosecutors said the young driver had partied all night, ignored his responsibility, and got behind the wheel anyway. He later admitted to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to just four years in prison. His license was also revoked for seven years.
Ada’s devastated parents, Nevgül and Bora Bicakci, have now launched a public campaign to honor their daughter’s memory and call attention to what they say is a broken and dangerous system. They say the driver’s sentence is far too lenient for a life so violently taken.
“This senseless act, rooted in driver negligence and systemic failures, ignited our unyielding fight to ensure a safer future for all,” the couple told News Shopper. “Beyond honoring Ada’s name, we intend to pursue meaningful change from Transport for London, the government, and the community.”
The moment of impact still haunts the family.
“The sound of the tires hitting the curb. Looking back and seeing Ada’s body bouncing between the bus and the wall,” Bora said in a heartbreaking courtroom statement. “Holding her in my lap. Her broken lungs struggling for every breath. Her eyes fading. Her brother behind me, shocked by fear.”
The family has created a campaign called Ada’s Heartbeat and plans to host a public memorial on the anniversary of her death, August 3, 2025, at the crash site—pending approval from the city.
In her final act of kindness, Ada’s organs were donated to six children. Her mother described the gift as “a testament to her giving spirit.”
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Author: thedailycrime1
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