Family of Andorra Dance Instructor Killed in Crash Decries Stalled Probe
No trial for the drunk driver as the injured passenger remains at large. The victim's sister pushes for new Spanish laws imposing harsher penalties for deadly impaired driving.
Key Points
- Carlos Manuel Miguel, 23, died Oct. 5 on Spain's L-313 road after collision with intoxicated driver.
- Key witness—driver's passenger with drugs—missing 10+ months, blocking trial.
- Sister Mònica Chozo partners with Stop Accidents NGO for 'vehicular homicide' law in Spain.
- Family vows to persist in advocacy for stricter penalties on impaired driving deaths.
The family of Carlos Manuel Miguel, the Andorra resident and dance instructor killed in a traffic crash, reports no progress in the stalled investigation more than 10 months after the incident, as the driver's passenger—a key witness and suspect—remains missing.
Carlos Manuel, 23, died in the early hours of 5 October on the L-313 road in Oliola, northern Spain, following a collision with a vehicle whose driver was intoxicated by alcohol and drugs. His sister, Mònica Chozo, told Diari d'Andorra that the judicial process remains blocked, with authorities unable to locate the passenger found disoriented in a nearby field shortly after the crash. He had suffered a minor bone fracture and possessed a small quantity of drugs, per the initial police report.
Without his testimony, the driver faces no trial, leaving the family to await developments. "For now, we're in the same situation with my brother's case; this man is on the run and can't be found anywhere. We have no choice but to wait," Chozo said.
In parallel, Chozo has partnered with the Spanish NGO Stop Accidents—set up by other road crash victims' relatives—to advocate for a "vehicular homicide" offence in Spain's penal code. The push seeks stricter penalties for fatal accidents caused by severe driving misconduct, such as intoxication, to better protect victims' families.
"I'm working with Stop Accidents to push forward the law change so a vehicular homicide code exists. It's very rewarding to collaborate with them because there are many people in my position," she added. The family remains determined despite the impasse, vowing to continue their efforts. "We'll keep working. These people will get theirs. I'm convinced they'll pay for what they've done," Chozo concluded.
Stop Accidents focuses on tougher sanctions for drug- or alcohol-related road deaths, a mission the relatives have embraced to prevent repeats and honour Carlos Manuel. The probe continues amid ongoing searches for the passenger.
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