Suspect in fatal Calgary hit and run gets bail but banned from commercial driving

A Saskatoon truck driver charged with hit and run after a woman was killed on a busy Calgary highway in a cruel chain-reaction crash has been released on bail.

But Gaganpreet Singh is prohibited from commercial driving until his case is resolved.

The 26-year-old is charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident and failing to remain at the scene of an accident in which a death ensues.

Police say the woman, identified in court documents as Heather Brent, was heading south in a lane close to the median on Stoney Trail early in the morning of April 1 when her SUV was struck by a vehicle, believed to be a semi-truck and trailer combination, which left the scene.

Following the initial crash, a roadway maintenance truck with two occupants arrived on the scene and began giving medical aid to the injured woman. Police say that a short time later, a Ram truck struck a post and cable barrier in the median and then struck the woman, who was pronounced dead on arrival in hospital.

Singh was arrested after police later found the semi-truck in a nearby county. He appeared, wearing a blue jail jumpsuit, via video as bail was discussed.

Judge Anne Brown approved his release on the condition he not drive a commercial vehicle, surrender his passport, post $500 and attend future court appearances. He will reside at his home in Saskatoon.

The case will be back in court May 9.

Singh's lawyer, Ian Savage, said it could be another six months before anything significant happens in the case.

"This is a very tragic case with highly unusual circumstances and there's significant uncertainty, especially with respect to the second charge," he said.

Savage had hoped his client would still be able to drive commercially.

"I am disappointed, but I understand the judge's reasoning."