Greek prosecutors are seeking felony charges against a 16-year-old driver following a fatal car crash that claimed the life of a 15-year-old student in the town of Sitia, on the island of Crete.
The teenage driver appeared before the public prosecutor in Neapolis, who ordered felony prosecution for dangerous driving without a license and for causing a fatal traffic accident. Authorities granted the minor until Friday to give his formal testimony before an investigating judge.
According to prosecutors, the suspect was driving without a valid license when the crash occurred late Tuesday night. The vehicle veered off the road and overturned on a rural roadway, fatally injuring the 15-year-old passenger.
Police said the car involved belonged to the driver’s father and was an older model vehicle, estimated to be about 20 years old. An officer familiar with the case said the teenager took the keys without his father’s knowledge.
The crash happened shortly after 11 p.m. in the Sitia area, shocking the local community and prompting an outpouring of grief. Residents described the victim as a cheerful teenager with dreams for the future.
In response to the tragedy, the municipality of Sitia and the local general hospital announced the launch of psychological and social support services for those affected, including the victim’s family, friends, and community members struggling to cope with the loss.
Local authorities said professional counseling and social services are being made available in an effort to help residents manage the emotional impact of the fatal accident as the legal process continues.
