Investigators are examining whether a faulty traffic light may have played a role in a deadly car crash on Rhodes that left a mother and daughter dead following a violent collision on the Rhodes–Lindos National Road.
The crash occurred on May 17 near the junction leading to Afandou Beach, where a Peugeot carrying the two victims collided head-on with a rented BMW. The victims, aged 56 and 26, were trapped in the wreckage and died at the scene.
According to the official Traffic Police inspection report, the BMW left a 52.5-meter trail of sideways skid marks before the impact, suggesting the driver had lost control of the vehicle. The force of the collision threw the Peugeot into the opposite lane, while debris was scattered as far as the yard of a nearby home.
Authorities said road conditions at the time were ideal, with dry asphalt, clear weather and full visibility. Both vehicles were also found to be in excellent mechanical condition.
The Traffic Light Question
At the center of the investigation is a malfunctioning traffic signal at the intersection.
According to findings cited in the Traffic Police report, the red light on the median-strip signal regulating left turns was not functioning, while only the amber light and green arrow were operational. A separate overhead traffic light on the right side of the road was reportedly functioning normally.
Investigators are now trying to determine whether the red light had already malfunctioned before the crash or whether it stopped working as a result of the collision itself.
Conflicting Accounts
The legal case now hinges on which driver entered the intersection against a red light.
The 45-year-old BMW driver, who was arrested after the crash, reportedly admitted he was speeding but claims the Peugeot suddenly pulled into his path after running a red light. His partner, who was a passenger in the vehicle, supports his account.
However, a German eyewitness reportedly told authorities that it was the BMW driver who violated the red signal.
Authorities and a court-appointed accident reconstruction expert are now reviewing security camera footage from a nearby business frame by frame in an effort to establish exactly how the tragedy unfolded.
A breathalyzer test reportedly showed no alcohol in the driver’s system, though blood toxicology results are still pending.
Charges
Prosecutors on Rhodes have charged the BMW driver with dangerous driving causing death- a felony offense- as well as multiple counts of negligent homicide.
The driver has been released on bail while the investigation continues. Specifically, the defendant is banned from leaving the country, ordered to report to his local police station every five days each month, required to pay bail of €50,000, stripped of his driver’s license, and prohibited from using any motorized vehicle.
