Three people died in a collision between a BMW and a Toyota Hilux on Saturday in the Madona region of Latvia, authorities confirmed. The crash occurred on the P62 Kraslava-Preili-Madona road near the village of Prauliena.
According to reports, police responded to the scene Saturday and found two people had already died. A third individual was transported to a local medical facility, where they later succumbed to their injuries. The victims have been identified as men born in 1981, 1990, and 2000.
Investigations have revealed that neither driver involved in the fatal crash possessed a valid driver’s license. The State Police is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
An expert with the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) noted the severity of the crash, stating, “In my 26 years of experience working with such accidents, it is rare to see a vehicle as large and heavy as a Toyota Hilux being propelled in the opposite direction from the scene of the accident. And the fact that the BMW was so severely mangled.”
Oskars Irbītis of CSDD also indicated that speed was likely a significant factor, estimating the vehicle was traveling “one hundred kilometres over the limit.” He added, “All of this indicates that the speed was indeed very high, and, considering the road configuration as well, the curve just before it, where control was most likely initially lost.”
The accident briefly disrupted traffic flow, but authorities reported that one lane was reopened. Criminal proceedings have been initiated as the investigation continues. Police have ordered a forensic medical examination to determine if alcohol or other substances were involved.
Witnesses shared video footage of the aftermath on social media, showing the extensive damage to both vehicles. The case highlights the dangers of driving without a license and the potentially devastating consequences of speeding.
