Romanian Telecom Op Romtelecom, Company Manager Indicted On Manslaughter Charges

The accident occurred in June 2009, when 12 year-old Doinita Rahau was playing near an old telephone pole that should have been taken out of service 20 years before, prosecutors said. The pole collapsed, injuring the girl who died on the way to the hospital.

The company is accused of manslaughter and the manager of negligence.

Romtelecom said in a press release Thursday the pole that collapsed killing the little girl in June last year collapsed because children would frequently tie wires to it and used it as an improvised swing and locals would tie their cattle to it.

„So far, no court has established any legal responsibility of Romtelecom or any of its employees regarding this accident. We have learnt from the media the case is going to court,” the company said in its release.

Romtelecom added it has helped investigators so far and will continue to do so.

„Romtelecom has expressed regret for the unfortunate accident and showed compassion to the victim’s family. The company donated 10,000 lei to the family immediately after the accident, to cover funeral costs,” the telecom operator said.