Palma: Accident Involving a Drunk Driver Despite License Revoked

In Palma, an intoxicated 25-year-old man caused a collision late in the evening. He was heavily intoxicated and no longer had his driver's license. The scene ended in a bar — with a beer in hand.

Accident in Palma: Alcohol, an intersection and a beer afterward

Around 11:15 p.m. on Friday evening, unusual noises were heard on Avinguda de Jaume III: two vehicles collided at an intersection, several lanes were blocked. Residents pulled up their shutters, drivers were stuck in traffic, a street lamp flickered as police and emergency crews arrived.

What happened exactly?

A 25-year-old driver in a gray Alfa Romeo allegedly ran a red light and collided with another car. Both cars were visibly damaged; shards lay on the asphalt, oil slicks stretched across the roadway. Paramedics examined the occupants of the second vehicle — fortunately, only minor injuries, no life-threatening injuries.

Alcohol test and background

The officers had little doubt and conducted a breath test on site. The result: the driver was well above the legal limit, according to police about four times the limit. Even more serious: his driving license had previously been revoked for alcohol offenses. He apparently attends a course to regain his license, but had not yet regained it.

The police noted down his details and filed charges. Tow trucks later cleared the scene; traffic was able to flow again after some time.

And then he sat down in a bar

As absurd as it sounds: after the accident, the young man went into a nearby bar, sat down at the bar and ordered a beer. Guests and bar owners were stunned; the operators asked him to leave the premises. The police also noted this behavior in their report.

Such scenes irritate the neighborhood. "People think it only happens to others," says a resident who later stood by the police as a witness. Many in the neighborhood wish for stricter controls and more consistent penalties so that such cases occur less often.

The investigations continue: Authorities are certainly examining not only the alcohol involvement but also how the traffic signal violation occurred. For the victims of the second vehicle, there is no peace for now — damage, shock and paperwork are unwelcome companions after such a night.

If you saw something or can provide additional information, please contact the Guardia Civil in Palma.