The tractor driver who killed a motorcyclist in Mallorca was driving under the influence of drugs and without lights
He is charged with hit-and-run, failure to render aid, and gross vehicular manslaughter
PalmThe driver of the tractor that caused the death of a 29-year-old motorcyclist on July 12 on the road between Campos and Santanyí was driving under the influence of drugs and without adequate lighting to drive at night.
According to the Civil Guard, the investigation by the Traffic Group has clarified events that were initially considered a conventional traffic accident attributed to a possible distraction by the victim.
The driver of the agricultural vehicle, a 53-year-old man, has been investigated as the alleged perpetrator of the crimes of leaving the scene of the accident, omission of the duty to assist, and gross negligence homicide.
The events date back to the early morning of July 12 on the road connecting Campos and Santanyí. At that point, a rear-end collision occurred between an agricultural tractor and a BMW motorcycle. The motorcycle rider, a 29-year-old Spanish man, died as a result of the impact.
When the officers arrived at the scene, they found the motorcyclist lying on the asphalt, a few meters from the vehicle, which showed very serious damage. The officers immediately began resuscitation maneuvers, which were maintained until the health services certified death in situ.
The involved tractor had left the scene without providing assistance. After an inspection of the area, the officers located it about 120 meters from the collision point.
The Road Accident Investigation Team and the Forensics Service opened an exhaustive investigation to determine the causes of the accident. The driver was located hours later on a nearby farm.
Despite testing negative for alcohol, he tested positive for cocaine. Subsequent analysis in a specialized laboratory confirmed the consumption of this substance.
Furthermore, officers detected serious deficiencies in the tractor's lighting system, a factor that would have reduced visibility on a stretch without lighting and with a change in gradient, where the accident occurred.
At the end of March, the Civil Guard charged the suspect with the three offenses.
The body reminds that any person involved in a road accident has the obligation to stop the vehicle, remain at the scene, signal the area to avoid new risks, notify emergency services, and assist victims as much as possible.
Leaving the scene of an accident, in addition to being a crime, is a particularly serious behavior because it leaves victims unattended and hinders immediate care.