I'm struggling with recollection.
Two pupils from Duisburg meet their unfortunate end in Tuscany, Italy, during a school trip. Their lives were tragically cut short when a woman lost control of her SUV on the sidewalk, hitting them. The exact cause of the accident remains a mystery. However, the defendant's legal team is now putting forth a potential explanation for the loss of control.
Following the fatal incident, the woman at the wheel of the car claims to have had no recollection of the events. During her interrogation in Lucca, the 44-year-old woman mentioned experiencing memory lapses. Her legal team also suggests the possibility of the driver experiencing a fainting spell. An upcoming medical evaluation by Italian authorities is planned. Test results for alcohol and drugs came back negative.
The woman, born in Brazil and residing in Italy for some time, now faces investigation for a fatal traffic offense. In the evening of Wednesday, she navigated her SUV through the city center of Lido di Camaiore, a Mediterranean Sea seaside resort. Two 17 and 18-year-olds from Duisburg, on a school trip, and seven others were left injured.
The public prosecutor's office has ordered the woman to wear an electronic ankle bracelet as a precaution. "Our client is not immune to what transpired," said the attorneys Massimo Landi and Nicola Bonuccelli. However, she cannot recall anything. Witnesses confirmed that the woman appeared distant immediately following the accident.
Return to Duisburg
As of the current investigation, it appears the woman continued driving for approximately 250 meters after hitting the two Germans without slowing down. She struck more pedestrians before finally colliding with several parked cars. Three French tourists were amongst the injured, with one woman in critical condition as of Thursday.
The approximately 80-member delegation from Duisburg-Mitte returned home on Friday. Family and friends welcomed the students and teachers, and mental health professionals and spiritual advisors were made available for the young people and adults. A moment of silence was observed in Camaiore, a municipality 1200 kilometers south of Duisburg.
Meanwhile, a video of the accident has come to light. Alongside the Italian investigations, efforts are being made to support those affected in North Rhine-Westphalia. "For students, opportunities for grief processing within the school community will be available in the coming days," announced the school authority as the regional government. Whether a memorial service is held remains uncertain. Classes are expected to resume on Monday.
The European Union, expressing its deep sympathy, has offered assistance to the grieving families and the community of Duisburg-Mitte. Additionally, European educational institutions have started discussions on implementing stricter safety measures during school trips.
