National District court judge Elianny Mena Ureña granted parole to Reynner José Eusebio Rosario, identified as the driver whose Toyota car collided with a Mercedes Benz SUV, that would then swerve to the left for several meters to then plunge into a deep excavation and the death of a man and woman.
Judge Mena Ureña, following a request by the Public Ministry, imposed RD$1 million bail, travel restrictions, and regular reporting requirements on Eusebio Rosario as precautionary measures until the investigations conclude.
The defendant is accused of causing the fatal accident through reckless or negligent driving, violating Articles 220 and 303 (sections 4 and 5) of Law 63-17 on Mobility, Land Transport, Traffic, and Road Safety of the Dominican Republic. Surveillance video shows both vehicles crossing the intersection without stopping.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Sunday, 23 June 2024, at 2:30am, when the white Mercedes Benz SUV carrying the victims was struck by a gray Toyota Corolla and fell into the hole dug for a highrise under construction at the corner of Roberto Pastoriza and José Tapia Brea streets in the Evaristo Morales district of the National District.
Diario Libre reports that the tragedy claimed the lives of Roberto Encarnación and Victoria Reyes. Dany Hidalgo Paredes and Yonelis Ramírez, who were in the back seat survived.
Diario Libre reports that prosecutor Gabriela Nin urges the deceased woman’s relatives to visit the Driver’s Center to receive proper information about the legal proceedings. As reported, while informally identified as Victoria Reyes, relatives have not come forward to officially identify the woman and claim the corpse.
The accident has motivated constructors to reinforce the protection over deep excavations.
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Diario Libre
2 July 2024