Story By: John Feng, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report
Video Credit: AsiaWire
Fury has erupted after the fatal smash that saw a large piece of metal fly into a car windscreen and kill a passenger was ruled a traffic accident and no one is to be punished.
The decision was announced by authorities in the city of Xi’an, capital of north-western China’s Shaanxi Province, with the driver surnamed Xue found neither criminally responsible nor negligent – despite them reportedly continuing to negotiate compensation over the matter out of court.
It comes after a six-week investigation into the incident on the Xi’an Ring Expressway on 26th April, when a black saloon ran over the metal debris and it flew into the windscreen of a white car behind it.
Pictures Credit: AsiaWire
The victim in the front passenger seated later died of a fatal head injury, police said.
Dashcam footage released at the time of the incident shows both cars unable to avoid the metal beam which left a large hole in the windscreen of the second car.
Xi’an police have since confirmed that the metal fell from the lorry travelling on the motorway, but its operator – and the two saloon drivers – have been cleared of all wrongdoing.
The authorities said none of the three drivers would be held liable after investigators failed to find criminal intent or negligence, ruling the incident a traffic accident.
However, talks over compensation for the victim’s family are expected to continue.
Thousands of netizens however have reacted with outrage at the verdict and have posted angry comments online.
‘Zhishui’ wrote: “If the metal fell from a lorry, shouldn’t the driver be held fully responsible? How is this an accident?”
‘Jiangnan Chuimu’ said: “None of them are responsible? The victim really died for nothing.”
‘.choa’ commented: “Isn’t the lorry driver obliged to ensure the safety of his vehicle? Everyone involved with the lorry – including the driver, welder, safety inspector – should all be punished.”
‘Yizhi Wasaide Nanhai’ added: “Talk about bad luck. Lorries are terrifying.”
‘Npchao’ wrote: “Who compensates the victim’s family, then?”
