Court rules Daniel Klaas guilty of safety violations at Bjerke racetrack in Oslo

A recent court ruling in Oslo has found Daniel Klaas, the organizer of a motor show, guilty of insufficient safety measures, while his son, Dean Klaas, has been convicted of negligent driving and violating traffic laws. The incident, which occurred during an April 2022 monster truck show at Bjerke racetrack, resulted in injuries to five people, including a 40-year-old woman named Milla and her seven-year-old son.

During the show, two vehicles backed into the crowd at high speed, with one crashing into the spectator area. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but Milla sustained crushing injuries to both legs. Her son escaped with only a bruise after the bench he was sitting on collapsed.

Initially, both defendants were absent when the trial commenced in August, having gone missing. After several delays due to the authorities’ difficulties in locating them, the trial proceeded with Milla in attendance. Despite her disappointment with their absence, she expressed relief that the case was finally underway.

Daniel Klaas has been sentenced to 60 days in prison, while Dean Klaas received a 45-day sentence, which exceeded the prosecution’s request. Dean’s lawyer, Terje Korneliussen, was surprised by the judgement, noting that Dean relied on his father’s safety arrangements while driving.

Both father and son have also been ordered to pay damages. Milla and another injured party will receive 130,000 kroner, while the remaining victims will receive 100,000 kroner each. Additionally, Daniel Klaas must pay over 900,000 kroner in compensation to the Norwegian Traffic Safety Association.

Over two years post-accident, Milla has since returned to work in a reduced capacity due to ongoing pain and neurological issues in one leg. She expressed the need for acknowledgment of their mistakes from the Klaases, wishing she could meet them to gauge their reactions.