Twist in horror crash that killed four police officers as truck company at the centre of deadly smash is investigated for using exhausted drivers and sub-standard vehicles
- Connect Logistics has operating fleet investigated by New South Wales police
- The traffic task force issued the Western Sydney business with 35 breaches
- Brake imbalances, inoperative lights and unsecure bolts were among the faults
- The heavy vehicle company has faced scrutiny since the Kew highway smash
- The driver of the Connect Logistics truck was charged with culpable driving
The truck company at the centre of the Eastern Freeway smash that killed four police officers in Melbourne last month have been hit with a litany of safety breaches.
Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Glen Humphris, Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor and and Constable Josh Prestney all died when they were hit by a truck after pulling over a Porsche.
New South Wales Police launched a probe into Connect Logistics and have now issued the Western Sydney business with 35 infringement notices.
Traffic and Highway Patrol inspected 61 heavy vehicles and trailers at Wetherill Park, Marulan, Wagga Wagga and Pine Creek over a week-long period.
The trucking company at the centre of the Eastern Freeway smash that killed four police officers in Melbourne last month have been hit with a litany of safety breaches
Emergency services are pictured taking the bodies of the four police officers away from the scene
They found two trucks had 'major defects' for oil leaks, excessive brake pad wear and a cracked cross brace.
While 17 other heavy vehicles were hit with 'minor defect' notices for oil leaks, brake imbalances, unsecure bolts, headlight damage, inoperative lights and broken strut.
Officers charged one driver with 'critical hours' fatigue breaches and 15 others with work diary administration issues relating to fatigue reporting.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the state's Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said, operator fleet inspections after major heavy vehicle crashes are carried out to keep the country's roads safe.
Senior Constable Kevin King (pictured, far left), Constable Glen Humphris (second from left), Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor (second from right) and and Constable Josh Prestney (far right) all died in the tragic crash
The police car that arrived at the scene was crushed by a refrigeration truck - killing four police officers who were standing by the roadside
'These operations are not unusual and have been done on numerous occasions in recent years, leading to a greater level of heavy vehicle safety and compliance,' he said.
'In some cases, this has also led to fleets no longer operating not only in New South Wales, but across Australia.
'We will continue to work with other police and road agencies to ensure that fleets are safe, and drivers fit and able to operate on our roads.'
The company has been heavily scrutinised following the horrific April 22 road accident that left four Victorian police officers dead, who were standing on the side of the road after pulling over Porsche driver Richard Pusey for allegedly speeding.
Mohinder Singh Bajwa, 47, the driver of the Connect Logistics' refrigerated chicken truck that ploughed into the group, has been charged with culpable driving and is now facing 20 years behind bars.
Police allegedly found drugs and an ice pipe in the cabin of the truck.
Mohinder Singh Bajwa, 47, (pictured) the driver of the Connect Logistics' refrigerated chicken truck that ploughed into the group of officers, has been charged with culpable driving
Mr Bajwa - pictured with his wife - is now facing 20 years behind bars for the horror smash
