Fatal Vilnius crash kills two, including promising judo athlete

A devastating car crash on Žirmūnai Street in Vilnius has resulted in the deaths of two young individuals. The accident occurred when a 19-year-old female driver lost control of a BMW 530e, colliding with a lamppost. The impact caused the car to ignite, trapping the occupants.

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Society has already held a 'lynch trial' for the driver, but what awaits her in court? My 3 insights and observations as a lawyer.

Authorities reported that the driver had a blood alcohol content of 0.58 permille at the time of the crash. Tragically, a young woman born in 2007 and a young man born in 2005 died at the scene. The 19-year-old driver sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital. A pre-trial investigation has been launched under Article 281, Section 6 of the Lithuanian Criminal Code, which pertains to violations of traffic safety rules resulting in death.

Adding to the tragedy, it was revealed that the 21-year-old male victim was a well-known judo athlete and a multiple-time medalist in national championships. His coaches, Albertas and Alanas Techovai, confirmed his identity and his promising athletic career. Albertas Techovas, a two-time Olympian himself, noted the young man's achievements, including being a medalist in the Lithuanian U18 judo championships.

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First, we will need to wait for the conclusions of the pre-trial investigation. When the pre-trial investigation is completed, everything will move to the courts, and the case may be heard there for many years. Everyone wants a decision as soon as possible, but we will have to wait. Patience.

Video footage from the scene showed bystanders rushing to help immediately after the crash. The driver, appearing disoriented, was seen walking around the damaged vehicle, holding her head. Her lawyer has urged the public to refrain from "lynch justice" and to await the outcome of the investigation. He emphasized that while the public may be quick to judge, the legal process will take time, and the driver faces potential imprisonment ranging from three to ten years if convicted of causing the fatal accident while intoxicated.

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Second, although I see many comments about possible murder and comparisons to the Netflix film 'The Crash,' at this stage, we should talk about Article 281 of the Criminal Code. It stipulates that anyone who, while driving a road vehicle, violates road traffic safety or vehicle operation rules, if a traffic accident resulting in death occurs due to this, is punished by imprisonment for up to seven years. If, while intoxicated or under the influence of narcotics, psychotropic substances, or other psychoactive substances, they are punished by imprisonment from three to ten years. If the pre-trial investigation confirms that the driver was intoxicated and her guilt is proven, then we will have to talk about imprisonment from 3 to 10 years.