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Shocking video shows tanker truck's dangerous overtake near Chania
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greece /Crime & Justice

Shocking video shows tanker truck's dangerous overtake near Chania

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A shocking video shows a tanker truck driver making dangerous and illegal overtakes near Chania, Crete.
  • The driver was apprehended by authorities but later released by a prosecutor.
  • The incident highlights the need for stricter road safety enforcement.

A video capturing a highly dangerous and illegal overtaking maneuver by a tanker truck driver near Chania, Crete, has caused significant alarm. The footage, recorded by a taxi's dashcam, shows the truck traveling at high speed in the opposite lane, disregarding all road safety regulations.

Authorities identified and arrested the driver in Heraklion. Reports indicate he was subsequently dismissed from his job. However, a prosecutor ordered his release just a few hours later. The incident occurred shortly after the Pythari settlement, where the truck was seen making successive overtakes on a narrow, two-way road, creating a situation ripe for a serious accident.

The truth is that this driving is dangerous to people, it causes danger. Especially with the element that it is full of gas and if it explodes, it will detonate. It is a mobile bomb.

โ€” Theodoros KaragiannisLawyer commenting on the dangerous driving of the tanker truck.

In the video, the driver is seen flashing his lights and honking at the taxi recording the incident, seemingly demanding space. He then proceeds with the perilous overtake, entering the oncoming lane despite heavy traffic. Lawyer Theodoros Karagiannis described the situation as a "mobile bomb," emphasizing the risk of explosion given the truck was reportedly carrying gas.

Karagiannis noted that since no injuries or fatalities occurred, the act is treated as a misdemeanor. He stressed that such incidents underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement of road safety rules. Regarding the video's use in legal proceedings, he confirmed that such footage from public spaces is admissible evidence, despite rules against illegally obtained evidence. He also highlighted that media reporting on court decisions should be respected, as public misunderstanding of judicial processes can lead to division.

Although illegally obtained evidence is prohibited, it has been ruled that such videos, from public spaces, are used completely normally.

โ€” Theodoros KaragiannisExplaining the admissibility of the dashcam footage in court.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.