Disaster in Sofia: two Indian citizens killed, drivers charged with wilful murder
Three people killed and 17 injured following a serious crash in Sofia; two of the victims are Indian citizens. The drivers of the light vehicles are charged with deliberately causing a traffic accident.
Three killed in Sofia crash, two Indian citizens — drivers charged with deliberate traffic accident
Two of the three people killed in the serious crash in Sofia are Indian citizens, Ivo Bikov from the "Road Police" directorate of the Interior Ministry told journalists at a joint briefing with Deputy City Prosecutor Angel Kunev, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported.
In the collision between two light vehicles and a bus, a total of 17 people were injured. The two Indian citizens died at the scene. Later, a passenger from one of the cars died in hospital. Three of the injured are currently in life-threatening condition, Bikov said. Among the injured are the drivers of both cars and the bus driver. Two passengers were travelling in the Audi, and three in the Mercedes.
Speed between 104 and 150 km/h, probable race
Initial calculations indicate that the two light vehicles were travelling at between 104 and 150 km/h, said Kunev. Technical expertise to establish the exact speed will follow. The incident occurred in the area of a junction where the speed limit is 60 km/h, and close to a pedestrian crossing.
According to evidence gathered so far, it appears to be a race between the two vehicles. Witness interviews are continuing, video recordings are being reviewed, and DNA samples and fingerprints have been taken.
Breath tests for alcohol and drugs on the drivers were negative, but additional blood samples have been sent for testing, Kunev clarified. It has been established that two of those involved in the crash do not possess a licence to operate a motor vehicle.
Fire in one vehicle spread to the bus
During the incident, a fire broke out in one of the light vehicles, which subsequently spread to the bus. The fire was brought under control by firefighters, who arrived first at the scene and carried out rescue operations to evacuate casualties from the vehicles. Kunev emphasised that the timely intervention of the fire crews prevented more serious consequences — some of the bus passengers were endangered by smoke and fire.
Car drivers charged, bus followed the rules
The evidence to date indicates that the drivers of the two light vehicles bear responsibility for the accident. The bus driver complied with all traffic rules, announced the Deputy City Prosecutor.
The overseeing prosecutor and investigating officer have drawn up an order to bring the two drivers in as defendants. The legal qualification is wilfully causing a traffic accident resulting in the death of more than one person and bodily injuries to multiple persons. The penalty prescribed by law is from 13 to 20 years imprisonment or life imprisonment. "There is no more serious legal qualification than this," Kunev said.
"The prosecution is uncompromising towards such acts," the Deputy City Prosecutor said firmly.
Licences from the Czech Republic, authenticity check forthcoming
The drivers of the two light vehicles hold driving licences issued in the Czech Republic, said Kunev. A check will be carried out to determine whether the documents are authentic. In addition, it will be established whether the drivers have registered violations in other countries. In Bulgaria they have "been punished several times for various violations — some for speeding, others for driving without a licence," he noted.
The prosecution and police are investigating the social status of the individuals. It will also be checked whether their declared income corresponds to the ownership of expensive cars and the high standard of living demonstrated. Kunev confirmed that the individuals are known to Interior Ministry authorities and to the prosecution and have been involved in other criminal proceedings.
Driver obstructed rescuers, relatives gathered at the scene
"We are gathering recordings from cameras to clarify from what point the reckless driving possibly began," Kunev said in response to a BTA question about whether there is information on how long before the crash the drivers were driving recklessly.
After the collision, the driver of one of the cars obstructed the rescue efforts of the firefighters and showed aggression towards the bus driver. Relatives of his also arrived at the scene, which necessitated "the deployment of additional police forces."
"We are not talking about an accident, but a real tragedy," commented Ivo Bikov from "Road Police."
Source: Bulgarian News Agency (BTA)