The 21-year-old, who fell asleep at the wheel after a night of partying, will await trial in freedom, albeit without a driving licence or passport. The victim, a 55-year-old Swedish tourist, died instantly.
The driver who fatally struck a pedestrian in Cala Mesquida (Capdepera) last Sunday has been released provisionally after giving a statement to the duty judge in Manacor. The young man, 21 years old and of Spanish nationality, explained that he fell asleep at the wheel after partying all night.
The magistrate has ordered precautionary measures including the revocation of the driving licence and passport, a prohibition on leaving Spain, and the obligation to appear periodically in court. The suspect, assisted by lawyer Daniel Castro, will not be imprisoned while the case is being investigated.
Fatal accident on the road from Capdepera to Cala Mesquida
The accident occurred around half past seven in the morning on Sunday on the road connecting Capdepera with Cala Mesquida. The victim, a 55-year-old Swedish tourist, had gone out for a run and was struck by the vehicle, being thrown about twenty metres. The driver initially fled the scene.
Agents from the Civil Guard and the Local Police of Capdepera located the car, which had evident signs of a severe impact on the front, parked on a nearby dead-end road. Shortly after, the driver returned to the scene of the accident and underwent a breathalyser test that came back positive, leading to his arrest.
The judicial proceedings were delayed until this Tuesday due to a power outage that affected the judicial building in Manacor, forcing the hearing to be postponed.
Reactions and legal consequences
The judge's decision has generated discontent among the residents of Capdepera, who are concerned that a drunk driver who caused a death is released. Judicial sources have indicated that the precautionary measures imposed are standard in cases without criminal records and with ties to the community, although the prosecutor may appeal.
The driver faces sentences of 4 to 6 years in prison for negligent homicide and leaving the scene of the accident, offences defined in the Penal Code. Additionally, he will have to compensate the victim's family, whose body was transferred to the Anatomical Forensic Institute in Palma.
The case has reignited the debate over road safety on the island's roads, especially in tourist areas like Cala Mesquida, where pedestrian and runner traffic is common year-round. The residents' association has requested the Capdepera Town Hall to strengthen signage and alcohol control in the area.
What will happen now?
The Investigating Court number 3 of Manacor will continue with the investigation, which will include the analysis of the breathalyser evidence and the report from the Civil Guard. It is expected that in the coming weeks an oral hearing will be held, where the accused may reach a plea agreement with the prosecution to reduce the sentence.
Meanwhile, the driver must strictly adhere to the imposed measures: he will not be able to drive or leave Spain and must report to the court every fifteen days. Any breach could lead to his preventive detention.
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