Three men charged in Bavaria over bus crash killing seven
The three defendants, according to investigators, were called "scout drivers." They allegedly organized smugglings and accompanied the actual smuggling vehicle with other vehicles. They scouted out where police checks were taking place and directed the actual smuggling vehicle over uncontrolled routes.
The three defendants, aged 17 to 23, are accused of planning and organizing the smuggling of 22 people from Austria to Germany in a minibus on that day in October, along with the 24-year-old driver. They are alleged to have guided him across the German border. However, when the driver discovered that he was being observed by the police, he attempted to flee at high speed.
During the escape, the driver lost control of his car in a curve. Seven people died, including a six-year-old child. One passenger suffered permanent brain damage and is now unresponsive. Fourteen other passengers were seriously or moderately injured. The three scouts were arrested in Austria and are currently in pre-trial detention in Bavaria.
- The public outcry following the gate-accident in Ampfing led to an investigation by the local Police in Bavaria, Germany.
- Reports suggest that the driver of the accused minibus had a history of traffic violations in Syria.
- The "Public Prosecutor's Office" in Germany is looking into the role of three men from Ampfing in the gate-accident, who are believed to be involved in organizing vehicle smuggling operations.
- Witnesses claim that they saw multiple vehicles accompanying the minibus on the day of the gate-accident, leading to speculations about an elaborate smuggling operation.
- The gate-accident in Ampfing raised concerns about border security and led to calls for stricter immigration laws in Bavaria.
- The driver of the minibus, who was trying to evade a police checkpoint, was found dead at the scene of the gate-accident in Traunstein, Germany.
- The German authorities are working closely with their Austrian counterparts to gather evidence and bring the individuals responsible for the gate-accident to justice.
