A 20-year-old driver from Netanya allegedly took laughing gas before driving Monday evening, causing a severe chain-reaction crash that killed a 19-year-old driver and injured three others, according to a report. The suspect initially admitted to taking the drug before denying it, as police investigate.
A 20-year-old driver from Netanya allegedly took laughing gas (nitrous oxide) before causing a fatal chain collision on Monday, killing a 19-year-old driver and injuring three others, according to reports. During questioning by police, the suspect initially admitted to taking the drug but later retracted his statement. The development provides a potential cause for the crash that police have been investigating since early morning.
The Zioneer first reported at 07:06 Jerusalem that a 19-year-old driver was killed in a chain collision on Road 20 near the Glilot East Interchange, and a driver in his 20s from Netanya was detained. Subsequent updates confirmed injuries: a 20-year-old in serious condition and two men aged 26 and 28 in moderate condition. The suspect's age was later refined to 20.
The case adds to a series of fatal crashes involving impaired driving. As The Zioneer reported on June 29, an 86-year-old driver was indicted for reckless homicide in a chain reaction crash on Route 65. On July 7, Maksim Sabag was convicted of negligent homicide after a cocaine-fueled illegal U-turn on Highway 6.
The suspect's admission and retraction of drug use means the investigation will likely center on toxicology results. The exact substance and its level of impairment remain unverified. Police continue to investigate.
4 developments
- Strong17-year-old Salim Sharif identified as victim of Kiryat Gat crash
- DevelopingNetanya resident, 20, arrested for allegedly attacking driver, cutting tire in front of victim's children
- DevelopingIndictment filed against 17-year-old for reckless homicide after police chase in Negev
- DevelopingIndictment filed against 86-year-old driver in deadly January crash on Route 65
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