Driver Drank a Litre of Vodka Before Lomianki Crash
Prosecutors charged two men after a deadly Lomianki crash; the Audi driver allegedly drank a litre of vodka and broke court driving bans.
Prosecutors charged two men after a deadly collision on national road DK7 in Łomianki. The Lomianki crash involved six vehicles and killed two young passengers, while a third person remains in critical condition.
What prosecutors say happened
Authorities say the Audi driver, identified as Patryk R., had consumed alcohol early on Sunday. Moreover, investigators claim he drank a litre of vodka around 14:00. Consequently, he travelled at high speed on the DK7 toward Warsaw. However, on the viaduct over Brukowa and Kolejowa streets he clipped a Toyota. The Toyota overturned, crossed the central barrier, and struck four other vehicles on the opposite carriageway. Two passengers aged 19 and 15 died at the scene. In addition, the 20-year-old Toyota driver suffered life-threatening injuries and doctors say his prognosis is very poor.
Lomianki crash: charges and legal context
The prosecutor announced three charges against Patryk R. Firstly, they accuse him of causing a fatal road accident while under the influence of alcohol. Secondly, they say he fled the scene and failed to help the victims. Thirdly, he faces a charge for violating a court-imposed driving ban and for possession of a small amount of cannabis. In addition, police detained a 44-year-old alleged driver and a 34-year-old passenger. Both tested positive for alcohol at the time of arrest, at roughly 0.5 per mille breath alcohol. Therefore, prosecutors plan to request a three-month pre-trial detention for both men.
Why this case matters to expats in Poland
This case highlights risks on busy national roads near Warsaw. Moreover, it shows how Poland enforces driving bans and alcohol laws. Courts frequently impose a “zakaz prowadzenia pojazdów” (driving ban) as part of a criminal sentence. Consequently, courts may convert community sentences into imprisonment for repeat offenders. In addition, fleeing an accident and failing to render aid carry severe penalties. Therefore, anyone driving in Poland should know the rules and local penalties.
Next steps and potential outcomes
Investigators continue forensic work and interviews. Moreover, they searched the suspect’s home and found a small amount of marijuana. Prosecutors will evaluate evidence before a court hearing. If convicted, the driver could face lengthy imprisonment for causing deaths while intoxicated. In addition, violating two previous driving bans will aggravate the sentence. Finally, courts could impose preventive detention while the case proceeds.
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