It was an accident that shook many people from Mattighofen and Feldkirchen. On the night of January 22, 2023, a couple’s car slid into the Kühbach in wintry and icy road conditions in the city of Mattighofen, which is around five meters wide at this point and had water about chest high, OÖN reported. The 60-year-old driver was able to get out of the vehicle at the last second, his wife (54) remained locked in the car. Helpers and emergency services, who arrived at the scene of the accident just a few minutes later, were unable to save the woman from the Innviertel region. The woman drowned in the car, from which she could not be freed in time.
Gross negligent homicide
On Thursday, the grieving husband had to make the difficult journey to the regional court. The accused was accused of grossly negligent homicide because he had around 1.25 per thousand alcohol in his blood at the time of the accident, and the tire tread depth was also below the permissible level.
The couple had attended a birthday party before the accident. After repeated attempts to get a taxi, the couple finally decided to go home, although they had originally planned to stay with friends. The reason for this may have been a strong coughing fit in the 60-year-old.
Regretful confession
The terrible tragedy happened on the way home. The accused made a remorseful confession. He’s lost the love of his life and he’s so sorry. Judge Claudia Grillneder sentenced the man to five months in prison and a fine of 1,800 euros. The accused immediately accepted the punishment and the verdict is already final.
Source: Nachrichten
