Death Drama on A2: Prison Sentence for Minibus Driver
The trial took place on Wednesday in Wiener Neustadt. The 52-year-old is said to have been overtired and distracted by his phone. The Ukrainian was found guilty of grossly negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and negligent endangerment of the public. The verdict is not final.
Accident with Five Fatalities in Lower Austria: 18 Months Partially Suspended Sentence for Driver
The accident occurred on April 1 in the morning hours towards Vienna. According to the prosecution, the defendant "disregarded all care in road traffic" and crashed unbraked at 112 km/h into the rear of a semi-trailer on a wet road. The truck had just moved from the acceleration lane to the first lane. Four female bus passengers aged 53, 54, 61, and 64 died at the scene. A 58-year-old succumbed to her injuries days later. Two passengers were seriously injured.
"Go to Sleep with These Images, Wake Up with These Images"
The driver admitted negligence but denied gross negligence. According to the evaluation of his phone data, he is said to have driven a total of 2,045 kilometers from March 31 to April 1 with only short breaks on the way from Italy to Ukraine. One minute before the accident, the 52-year-old is said to have had a messenger service open on his phone. According to the interpreter, the defendant stated that he did not use the mobile phone immediately before the collision. He reported seeing the truck in front of him, but there were many cars driving in the left lane. Shortly thereafter, the collision occurred. "I go to sleep with these images and wake up with these images," he said in retrospect of the accident. "I wish this on no one." According to an expert, the defendant could have adjusted his speed in time to prevent a collision upon noticing the truck.
The Ukrainian was taken into custody after the collision and released in mid-April. The 52-year-old had to deposit a bail of 3,000 euros and surrender his passport. Investigations into the suspicion of negligent homicide against the driver of the truck with Spanish registration were dropped. The 43-year-old reported in the trial as a witness that he felt a collision after moving to the first lane. According to the interpreter, the Peruvian did not see the minibus before the crash. A compatriot, a passenger in the truck, could not provide further details because he had his eyes closed at the time of the accident. Two women who were seriously injured in the collision did not appear as witnesses.
Thousands of Kilometers Driven Without Longer Breaks
In the reasoning for the verdict, the single judge pointed out that the defendant had driven numerous kilometers without significant breaks and had not initiated a significant braking maneuver before the collision with the truck. The accused was overtired and distracted. With a sentencing range of up to three years, factors such as the previously orderly lifestyle and the partial confession were mitigating. Neither the prosecution nor the defendant made a statement. Thus, the verdict is not final.
(APA/Red)
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