Man remanded in custody after fatal traffic accident in Tranbjerg, Denmark

A 35-year-old man has been remanded in custody until October 23 following a preliminary hearing at the Court in Aarhus. The judge ruled that his detention was necessary due to the risk of him committing further crimes while at liberty. He faces charges including negligent manslaughter under particularly aggravating circumstances related to a traffic accident last Wednesday in Tranbjerg, south of Aarhus, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals aged 77 to 87 in an oncoming vehicle. Two others, aged 78 and 79, in the same car were seriously injured.

The accused appeared in court with his arm in a sling and bandages on both arms, accompanied by three relatives, one of whom was his partner. Both were seen in tears during the proceedings. He had been detained in absentia for four weeks on Thursday while hospitalized for injuries sustained in the fatal crash.

The accident occurred during an overtaking maneuver, where it is alleged the accused drove at 114 km/h in a zone with a speed limit of 80 km/h, colliding head-on with the vehicle containing five elderly passengers. A name ban was once again imposed in this case. The accused has denied all charges, which also include reckless driving and driving under the influence, with a blood test confirming traces of nitrous oxide in his system. Balloons associated with nitrous oxide were found in both the vehicle and his jacket.

During the hearing, the defense argued for his release, claiming insufficient evidence for reckless driving or that he was intoxicated. However, the judge determined that witness testimonies, the circumstances of the accident, the three fatalities, the accused’s statements, and the found nitrous oxide supported the suspicion against him. It was revealed that he is also suspected of driving without a license in a stolen vehicle, believed to belong to an ex-girlfriend, and fled on foot from the scene. Witnesses described only one man seen in the car. The five elderly individuals were reportedly returning home from a folk dancing event when they were struck.