Andorra Police Arrest Driver in Fatal Encamp Crash with 1.72 Alcohol Level

Police in Andorra arrested a 36-year-old resident suspected of causing a fatal crash in Encamp's Valira Nova area on the afternoon of 1 August, following his release from hospital care.

The detention occurred on Sunday morning by order of the mayor, with the suspect due to appear before judicial authorities that afternoon. He faces charges including homicide by serious negligence, injuries by the same cause, and offences against public safety. Prosecutors expect the judge may order preventive detention given the driver's blood alcohol level of 1.72 grams per litre—well above the legal limit—and his speeding in the area.

The Cupra driver was heading downhill on Avinguda de la Bartra during heavy rain, attempting to overtake a bus. His vehicle collided front-side with a French-plated car before slamming head-on into a Nissan Micra carrying a mother and daughter from Sant Julià de Lòria. The 74-year-old mother, who suffered severe injuries requiring extrication by firefighters, went into cardiorespiratory arrest and died shortly after arriving at hospital. Her daughter, the Micra's driver, remains hospitalised recovering from serious wounds.

The French car's two occupants received emergency treatment but were discharged quickly. The suspect and the Micra driver both spent several days in intensive care before moving to regular wards.

Investigators note the man had attended a barbecue hours earlier where he drank alcohol. He believed enough time had passed to drive safely, but factors including the weather and overtaking manoeuvre led to the multiple collision.

The case remains under judicial investigation.