SINGAPORE — A Singapore Airlines (SIA) pilot yesterday pleaded guilty to reckless driving in New Zealand, after a car crash that left two of his colleagues injured.

The New Zealand Herald reported that Benjamin Wu, 32, was charged in the Christchurch District Court with two counts of reckless driving, causing injury.

The Toyota he was driving had crashed into a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle towing a horse float near Rolleston, Christchurch, on Wednesday.

In the car were four other SIA crew members. The Herald reported that chief steward Chew Weng Wai is still in critical condition with brain injuries, while stewardess Vanessa Coehlo is in stable condition following surgery. They were admitted to Christchurch Public Hospital on the day of the crash.

The other two crew members were unhurt and have since returned home. The driver of the 4WD and the horse were also unhurt.

Responding to queries, an SIA spokesperson said: “Our priority has not changed, which is to provide care and assistance to our staff and their families.” He declined to disclose further details because of the airline’s privacy policies.

The case has been adjourned to Monday, with the possibility of Wu being sentenced that day. He is reportedly out on bail on the condition he will not drive a motor vehicle and not travel outside Christchurch. ELGIN CHONG