Fatal hit of a pedestrian in Nowy Sącz. The driver was charged

The tragic event occurred on Saturday around 5:30 p.m. on one of the main streets of Nowy Sącz. A 50-year-old man was crossing a pedestrian crossing with his dog on a leash. A car driving in the right lane stopped to let a pedestrian pass.

At that moment, a 21-year-old Volkswagen driver, overtaking a stopped vehicle in the left lane, hit a man with great force. The pedestrian died on the spot.

Investigation and charges against the young driver

According to the prosecutor's office, the 21-year-old took part in an illegal car race and drove at a speed of at least 120 km/h in a place where the speed limit is 60 km/h.

Today, the prosecutor's office announced that the VW driver was charged with causing a fatal accident during an illegal race and was arrested for three months.

The suspect admitted to hitting the pedestrian, but did not admit to participating in the illegal car race. He refused to provide explanations and answer the prosecutor's questions. However, he expressed remorse and declared his willingness to apologize to the family of the accident victim, said Justyna Rataj-Mykietyn, spokeswoman for the Nowy Sącz prosecutor's office.

For causing a fatal accident during an illegal race, the 21-year-old faces from one to 10 years in prison. The prosecutor's office emphasizes that the legal classification may change, depending on the results of toxicological tests and further investigation findings.

The young driver had no previous criminal convictions, but over the last year he was fined three times for speeding. A breathalyzer test showed that he was sober at the time of the accident. Blood was also secured for testing for the presence of other substances.

Investigators are analyzing surveillance footage to help accurately reconstruct the course of the incident. A witness also testified about the 21-year-old's participation in the illegal race. The second driver suspected of participating in the same race is to be interrogated on Tuesday.