The District Court in Opole Lubelskie has sentenced two drivers for a fatal August 2023 collision on the Chodel bypass that claimed the lives of three elderly women.
The Deadly Collision
In August 2023, a 77-year-old Opel driver, Adam W., pulled onto the Chodel bypass from a subordinate road and collided with a BMW driven by 23-year-old Damian S. Three passengers in the Opel, aged 72–75, died at the scene, while a fourth woman sustained injuries requiring medical treatment for over seven days.
Tragic Post-Accident Oversight
The case gained additional notoriety due to the accidental mix-up of the victims’ bodies. The family of the 75-year-old victim, Wanda, discovered the error after the burial of the 72-year-old, Teresa. The Zwoleń District Prosecutor’s Office investigated the public officials involved for neglect and desecration of corpses but ultimately discontinued the proceedings, finding no evidence of a crime.
Court Rulings and Sentencing
On Thursday, the court found both drivers guilty. Adam W. received a one-year suspended prison sentence and a 2,200 PLN fine. Damian S., who was driving at excessive speed, was sentenced to three years of imprisonment and a three-year driving ban. Both defendants were ordered to pay 20,000 PLN in damages to the survivor.
Excessive Speed and Recklessness
Judge Anna Jaguś stated that the accident resulted from errors by both parties, noting that Adam W. failed to ensure it was safe to enter the road. However, Damian S. was found to have acted with intent, driving at approximately 140 km/h in a 70 km/h zone. The court highlighted his continued reckless behavior, citing social media footage showing him operating a vehicle without due care.