Lappeenranta crash driver admits speeding before fatal moped collision

An 18-year-old driver has admitted to gross negligence in traffic and causing a fatality after striking a 16-year-old moped rider in Lappeenranta on Monday evening, police in Southeast Finland said Friday.

The collision occurred on Terminaalinkatu in the Mustola district. A group of local youths, some on bicycles, were leaving the area toward Lauritsala when the car attempted to overtake a moped ahead of it by moving into the oncoming lane.

The moped rider, unaware of the approaching car, turned left from the roadway to cross a green area toward a bike path. The driver, traveling significantly above the 50 km/h speed limit, could not avoid the collision. The moped rider died at the scene.

The car’s driver and passenger were uninjured. Police continue their investigation before referring the case to prosecutors for possible charges.