In the lethal accident that occurred Saturday in Prauliena Parish, Madona Municipality, neither of the two drivers who died had a driver’s license, the LETA news agency reported from the Vidzeme Regional Administration of the State Police.
At the scene of the accident, the driver of the BMW, born in 2000, and the BMW passenger, born in 1990, were killed. Meanwhile, the driver of the Toyota Hilux, born in 1981, died at a medical facility from his injuries.
The State Police confirmed that neither driver had a valid driver’s license.
Oskars Irbītis, an expert with the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD), told Latvian Television: “In my 26 years of experience working with such accidents, it is rare to see a vehicle as large and heavy as a Toyota Hilux being propelled in the opposite direction from the scene of the accident. And the fact that the BMW was so severely mangled.”
Avārija Madonas novada Praulienas pagastā
Photo: CSDD
Avārija Madonas novada Praulienas pagastā
Photo: CSDD
Avārija Madonas novada Praulienas pagastā
Photo: CSDD
Avārija Madonas novada Praulienas pagastā
Photo: CSDD
Avārija Madonas novada Praulienas pagastā
Photo: CSDD
Avārija Madonas novada Praulienas pagastā
Photo: CSDD
“All of this indicates that the speed was indeed very high, and, considering the road configuration as well, the curve just before it, where control was most likely initially lost,” said Irbītis. “One hundred kilometres over the limit. Yes, this accident occurred due to speeding,” acknowledged Irbītis.
Criminal proceedings have been initiated regarding the incident, and all circumstances of the accident are currently under investigation. Regarding the possible use of alcohol or other intoxicating substances, the police indicated that a forensic medical examination has been ordered.
On Saturday evening, several videos showing the crash site, the vehicles damaged in the collision, and the victims of the accident were widely shared on social media and news sites.
Irbītis said that “in such serious accidents, seconds make all the difference. So, if rescuers arrive even a few minutes earlier, they can already provide assistance to people. Especially in cases where there are internal injuries, bleeding, and so on. So, essentially, seconds make all the difference there.”
“And in this video footage, where you can even see the man falling out of this Toyota, he’s still conscious. He opens the door himself and falls out of the car. And then, at the very least, this person needs help to be placed in a stable lateral position and so on. Do something to help, instead of just standing there, or, I’d say, maybe call for help. That’s an absolutely unacceptable situation,” said Irbītis.
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