The prosecution demanded a €5,000 fine and a driving ban of 3 years. The 49-year-old in question provoked a collision between his car and a train while driving under the influence of alcohol two months ago to this day:
Drunk driver escapes without injury after train collision in DommeldangeHis alcohol level was at 2.35 mg/L, which lead him to ignore the descending safety barrier and proceed with his car over the rails. He miraculously survived the subsequent collision with an oncoming train without major injuries.
The train conductor reported that he saw the contours of a car on the rails before his supposed stop in Dommeldange. He explained that he immediately activated the emergency breaks, but it had been to late to avoid a collision with the car that remained motionless. The train, which was advancing at 110 km/h at the time, needed too long to come to a full stop.
The culprit explained to the court that he was in a "bad mood" that day and that he subsequently went out for a drink, or several, as the judge reminded him. The man further noted that he had needed to go to the bathroom and therefore wanted to hurry over the rails. In the end, he acknowledged his mistake.
The defence pointed towards the fact that the accused had no prior violations in his file, to which the prosecution responded by emphasising that he should have known better as to drive under the influence and ignore a rail barrier, due to his employment. Meanwhile, CFL demanded €75,000 in damages.
Since the defendant has no priors, the prosecution refrained from adding a prison sentence to their demands. The verdict in the matter is set to be announced on 30 September.
