Feb 10 • 17:30 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Ilta-Sanomat

Teen boy drove recklessly with a permit, and a 17-year-old girl died in Lohja – a harsh decision for the family

A 17-year-old boy driving recklessly under a special permit caused the death of a 17-year-old girl in Lohja, Finland, leading to a court decision that disappointed the victim's family.

In May 2023, a group of teenagers was involved in a tragic car accident in Lohja, Finland, resulting in the death of a 17-year-old girl. The boy behind the wheel, who had a special driving permit, was driving at high speed towards a tree with four other teenagers in the vehicle, including twin sisters aged 17, a 15-year-old boy, and a 13-year-old girl. Following the incident, the West Uusimaa District Court convicted him of endangering traffic safety and causing death as a young person, but acquitted him of three counts of aggravated bodily harm and denied claims for compensation by the deceased girl's family, citing a lack of gross negligence or intent.

Two years post-accident, one of the twins, Neea, spoke to Ilta-Sanomat about her sister Tiia's tragic demise, advocating for an increased penalty and compensation alongside a prosecutor and two other family members. Neea's testimony underscores the lingering trauma and unresolved grief within the family, as well as their pursuit of justice in light of the court's ruling. The Helsinki Court of Appeal has recently issued a decision regarding the case, which continues to resonate within the community as a reminder of the potential dangers of reckless driving among youth.

The accident occurred on a May evening on Talpelantie in Lohja, raising important discussions about road safety regulations and the use of special driving permits for underage drivers. The outcome of this case highlights the complexities of juvenile justice and the challenges faced by families seeking accountability in tragic circumstances, prompting a wider conversation on how to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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