Andorra Court Hears Final Arguments in 2017 Tunnel Crash Trial

Andorra's Tribunal de Corts has held oral arguments in the trial of a driver accused of causing a 2017 crash in the Tàpia tunnel near Sant Julià de Lòria that injured four people. A verdict is now pending after prosecutors and defence presented closing cases.

The incident took place on 7 December 2017 around 8:50am, as the driver headed towards Spain with two passengers, hurrying to reach work by 9am. Prosecutors maintain she was travelling at 85-95km/h—far exceeding the 60km/h limit—in the left descending lane when she attempted an overtake inside the tunnel. They say she lost control, veered across lanes, invaded oncoming traffic and collided with a wall before striking an oncoming vehicle.

Police officers who attended the scene testified that the road surface was dry, clean and free of ice or defects. One estimated speed at around 90km/h using video frames, time and distance, adding that braking began only after control was lost. Another stressed that a vehicle skidding there indicated excessive speed, and at 60km/h it would have been far easier to manage. No alcohol or drugs were detected.

The driver, her passengers and the opposing motorist all suffered injuries. Although the CASS social security body has been compensated and all injured parties have waived further civil claims, the case centres on three counts of minor injuries due to serious negligence. Prosecutors request three months' conditional house arrest and a nine-month driving ban.

The defence contests serious imprudence, insisting no conclusive evidence proves the precise speed inside the tunnel. Police estimates, they argue, were calculated away from the impact site, while occupants recalled 60-70km/h. The overtake was permitted, the five-year-old tyres had passed inspection and the car was roadworthy. They highlight the driver's corrective manoeuvres as signs of caution, alongside factors like cold asphalt and possible slippery elements. A witness linked to the vehicle owner confirmed it was not driven recklessly, and medical experts noted some injuries worsened because one occupant lacked a seatbelt.

Hearings have now concluded.