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The driver of a monster truck that ran over spectators in northern Mexico had performed "an unsanctioned stunt" and had two beers before the tragedy - and could be charged with manslaughter.
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico - The driver of a monster truck that ran over spectators in northern Mexico had performed "an unsanctioned stunt" before the tragedy that killed eight people and injured 87.
Governor Cesar Duarte said at least 29 people are still in hospital, 13 of them in intensive care, after Saturday's disaster at a "demolition derby" in Chihuahua, capital of the state of the same name.
Four of the eight dead were children.
CRUSHED CARS
The 51-year-old driver, Alfredo Velazquez Samaniego, is being treated for a head injury but was detained and prosecutors said he could face manslaughter charges. Authorities are also investigating what protection measures were in place at the Extreme Aeroshow sponsored by the municipality.
Watch the video
Video shows the monster truck leaping over two crushed cars, landing on its giant front wheels, then bouncing before ploughing into a crowd of spectators unprotected by barriers.
Duarte said the driver had made an unauthorised manoeuver by making another pass over the two cars in the opposite direction - towards the crowd - which left a much shorter distance between the stunt and the spectators. Samaniego also admitted that he had had two beers before getting behind the wheel of his truck but a blood test showed he was not drunk.
DID TRUCK ACCELERATE?
The governor told Milenio TV: "The fact that he drank and the statements he made show a lack of expertise and a direct responsibility in the handling of the vehicle."
The driver said he lost consciousness after hitting his head in the landing and footage suggests he accelerated after passing over the cars.
Duarte added: "We have a meticulous investigation that we want to conclude and will then determine where responsibility lies."
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico - The driver of a monster truck that ran over spectators in northern Mexico had performed "an unsanctioned stunt" before the tragedy that killed eight people and injured 87.
Governor Cesar Duarte said at least 29 people are still in hospital, 13 of them in intensive care, after Saturday's disaster at a "demolition derby" in Chihuahua, capital of the state of the same name.
Four of the eight dead were children.
CRUSHED CARS
The 51-year-old driver, Alfredo Velazquez Samaniego, is being treated for a head injury but was detained and prosecutors said he could face manslaughter charges. Authorities are also investigating what protection measures were in place at the Extreme Aeroshow sponsored by the municipality.
Watch the video
Video shows the monster truck leaping over two crushed cars, landing on its giant front wheels, then bouncing before ploughing into a crowd of spectators unprotected by barriers.
Duarte said the driver had made an unauthorised manoeuver by making another pass over the two cars in the opposite direction - towards the crowd - which left a much shorter distance between the stunt and the spectators. Samaniego also admitted that he had had two beers before getting behind the wheel of his truck but a blood test showed he was not drunk.
DID TRUCK ACCELERATE?
The governor told Milenio TV: "The fact that he drank and the statements he made show a lack of expertise and a direct responsibility in the handling of the vehicle."
The driver said he lost consciousness after hitting his head in the landing and footage suggests he accelerated after passing over the cars.
Duarte added: "We have a meticulous investigation that we want to conclude and will then determine where responsibility lies."
