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Bus driver in deadly 2008 crash sentenced to 8 years in prison

EILAT, Israel, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- An Israeli court Sunday sentenced a bus driver to 8 years in prison for a 2008 crash that killed 24 Russian travel agents.

Edward Gelfand, 44, of Petah Tikva, was sentenced by the Beersheba District Court after being convicted on manslaughter charges in September, the Jerusalem Post reported.

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The court also revoked Gelfand's license and prohibited him from driving any vehicle for 25 years.

Gelfand was driving a tour bus along Route 12 near Eilat in December 2008 when the bus plunged 177 feet off a cliff. Prosecutors said Gelfand traveling at 60 mph, despite a 50 mph speed limit.

In addition to the 24 travel agents who died, another 28 were injured in the crash.

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