Zurich truck driver indicted over fatal 2022 crash

A truck driver has been indicted over a fatal crash at Escher-Wyss-Platz, a busy square in Zurich, SRF reported. A car driver involved in the incident has received a penalty order, but it is not yet legally binding.

The crash happened in December 2022, when a five-year-old boy was walking to kindergarten. Prosecutors say a truck hit him on a pedestrian crossing and seriously injured him. A car travelling directly behind the truck then ran over the child, causing his death.

The 67-year-old truck driver has been charged at Zurich District Court with negligently causing serious bodily injury. The case will go to trial. Prosecutors issued a penalty order against the 39-year-old car driver for negligent homicide and a breach of road traffic law. They did not disclose the specific penalty. The driver can appeal the order, which could also bring the case to court.

Investigators took time to reconstruct the crash, requiring several expert reports. Both drivers had continued on after the incident. Prosecutors had opened proceedings against three drivers, but closed the case against a third in April 2023 after ruling out his involvement.

The presumption of innocence applies until the proceedings are legally concluded.