- The lethal termination - operation halted
A thrill-seeking biker, aged 19 at the time, sought to immortalize the stunning vistas on Rossfeld Panoramastraße, a beloved spot for tourists and bike enthusiasts in Berchtesgaden, Germany. Eager to capture the perfect shot, he found himself in the heart of the road. This hasty decision resulted in a collision that proved fatal for one individual and left several others hurt. Forty-eight months later, this young man found himself standing before a juvenile court in Laufen, accused of reckless manslaughter and causing bodily harm, but the charges were ultimately dropped.
This scenic drive has been a photographer's dream for a while now. Last year, a young Austrian motorcyclist seized the opportunity to snap a few photos, but in doing so, he unwittingly took up residence in the middle of the road. As other motorcyclists navigated the twisting track, one rider from Austria unfortunately did not see him in time and smashed into the unsuspecting snapper, resulting in a fatal crash. The motorcycle continued on its path, colliding with a family that had stopped to admire the view. The mother and her two daughters suffered severe injuries and are still struggling to recover from their wounds. Notably, the family chose not to participate in the prosecution as co-plaintiffs.
The defendant could no longer perform his job as a sunscreen technician and voiced that his life has drastically changed as the judge inquired about his current state. The court suggested a private consultation, ultimately deciding to drop the charges against the now 20-year-old. His penalty was simply attending a counseling session with the juvenile judge.
The family, in their decision, opted not to pursue legal action against the motorcyclist as a co-plaintiff. The Commission, recognizing the need for increased safety measures, proposed stricter regulations for motorists using Rossfeld Panoramastraße.