An ambulance driver faced emotional scrutiny in Lyon after a fatal collision with two teenagers, admitting to reckless speeding and dangerous overtaking.
Emotional hearing in Lyon court
The correctional court in Lyon was filled with intense emotion on Thursday as an ambulance driver faced the parents of two teenagers killed in a collision with an electric scooter. The driver, who was charged with aggravated involuntary double homicide, broke down in tears when the details of the incident were recounted.Driver's speeding allegations
The driver was supposed to transport a patient from a clinic to a hospital on August 22, 2022, but he was allegedly speeding on a road with a 30 km/h limit. He admitted to driving between 70 and 80 km/h, though an expert estimated his speed reached at least 91 km/h.Overtaking decision questioned
A few moments before the accident, the driver saw the scooter carrying the two teenagers but chose to overtake them instead of staying behind. When asked about this decision, he admitted he should have avoided the maneuver altogether.Driver's history of violations
The driver had a history of traffic violations, including multiple speeding tickets, a suspended license, and eventually a canceled license. At the time of the accident, he had only two points left on his license, leading to calls for a permanent ban from driving.Prosecution's demands
The public prosecutor requested one year in prison with a deferred deposit warrant and provisional execution, along with three years in prison with a probationary suspension. The prosecutor also asked for a permanent ban from ambulance driving and the cancellation of the driver's license, with a ten-year ban on retaking it. The court will deliberate on the case on Tuesday, October 27.
