Drunk driver blamed for deaths in Fuengirola

A 45-year Iranian woman drove drunk, without a driving licence and at high-speed, causing a tragic accident in Fuengirola on Maundy Thurday, which resulted in two fatalities and ten injured.

The crash happened at 9.35pm on Carvajal beach. A woman’s Nissan Qashqai drove off the curve, struck the corner column of the building, plowed into the terrace and pizzeria of Don Santiago, skidded down the road, and collided against another vehicle.

One of the fatalities was the passenger in the car, a 47 year old Iranian woman who died on impact. Another victim, a 25 year old pedestrian from Seville and a tourist visiting Fuengirola at that time, was also struck by a vehicle and instantly killed. Ten other people were injured including the driver, 40-year old woman, two 2-year-olds, and four men, aged 42,50,50,56. According to 112 ambulance crews, three of the men suffered serious injuries.

Alcohol positive test for Nissan Qashqai driver

Police in Fuengirola confirmed that the driver had a blood alcohol content of 0.48 which was above the legal limit. She was exceeding the 30 km/h limit, and driving without a valid licence. She was arrested for two counts each of gross negligence manslaughter, negligence causing injury, and driving under the influences.

Concrete columns on the restaurant terrace likely prevented an even worse tragedy. Authorities stated that the incident would have turned into a massacre without these columns.

On Saturday, April 19, Fuengirola’s Court of Instruction number 4 ordered that the accused be placed in provisional detention, without any chance of bail, and to await trial.

She is accused by various offences, including homicide through serious recklessness; three offenses of serious injury caused by serious irresponsibility; one of reckless driving; one of driving while under the influence of liquor and one of driving without a license. The detainee testified in court.