Slovenia investigates presidential driver after accident injures president

Slovenian police have launched an investigation into the driver of President Nataša Pirc Musar after a traffic accident on July 31. Preliminary findings suggest the accident occurred because the presidential driver failed to maintain a safe distance, colliding with the rear of a car driven by a member of the president's security detail.

The 52-year-old driver of the official Mercedes-Benz V300, which was carrying President Pirc Musar, is under investigation for allegedly causing the traffic accident through negligence. Police have forwarded all collected documentation to the Special State Prosecutor's Office. Both drivers involved were tested for alcohol and drugs, with all results coming back negative.

The incident happened shortly before 5 p.m. on the highway towards Ljubljana, within the Kastelec tunnel. In addition to President Pirc Musar and her driver, a bodyguard and two other passengers were in the vehicle. The president sustained minor injuries, reportedly a fractured collarbone, while one of the other passengers suffered more serious injuries. Both were transported to Izola General Hospital, though the president was released for home care the following day.

Authorities estimate the material damage resulting from the collision to be around 37,000 euros. The investigation into the exact circumstances of the accident is ongoing.