Car Hits Tree Near Genoa: Six Injured, Driver Under the Influence

Serious accident in a Palma suburb: car collides with a tree

On Sunday morning, there was a severe traffic accident on the access road to the Genoa cemetery. Around 7:30 AM a rental car lost control and crashed into a street tree. Six people were injured, one seriously injured in hospital with severe trauma.

Too many people, too much speed

Witnesses report that the small car, officially approved for five people, was occupied by six occupants. Obviously the vehicle was overloaded. Passersby said the car came down the slightly downhill road at high speed; shortly thereafter the collision was heard and the car lay heavily damaged against the tree.

Ambulances and several patrols of the local police arrived within minutes. The responders cared for the injured on site; some were taken by ambulance, others by additional emergency vehicles to various hospitals in Palma. According to initial information, the affected people come from Colombia.

Positive alcohol and drug tests

The police conducted breath and drug tests at the scene. The driver tested positive in both tests. Investigators believe that alcohol consumption and drug use, together with excessive speed, contributed significantly to the crash. The exact cause of the accident is currently being investigated.

You hear about this kind of thing all the time, but when you see it in front of your doorstep, it's different, said a resident from a side street, holding shopping bags on the sidewalk. It is a miracle that not more happened.

An appeal to common sense

Such accidents remind us how dangerous overloaded vehicles and driving under the influence can be. In an area with sharp curves and narrow roads like around Genoa, speed can have fatal consequences quickly. The public prosecutor's office and the local police have opened investigations; it is being considered whether in addition to traffic violations, criminal charges will follow.

For the affected and their families, the difficult period of medical treatment and dealing with the incident begins now. If you witnessed anything or can provide information, please contact the Palma police. And yes: fewer people in the car, sober behind the wheel, and seat belts fastened — that can save lives. It sounds simple, but apparently not always.

The editorial team will keep you updated on the progress of the investigations and the condition of the injured.