Driver sentenced to two years for fatal Saldus crash

A driver whose car crashed in Kursīši Parish, Saldus Municipality, last November, killing three unbelted passengers, has been sentenced to two years in prison, LSM reports, citing Latvijas Avīze.

The pre-trial investigation concluded that everyone in the car would have survived if they had been wearing seat belts. The driver was held responsible because the law prohibits starting a journey without ensuring that passengers whose seats are equipped with belts have fastened them.

The defendant admitted guilt, expressed regret and reached a sentencing agreement with the prosecutor. He was charged with causing the deaths of two or more people through negligence and with negligently causing serious or moderately serious bodily injury to the young person who survived the crash.

The judge approved the agreement and imposed the two-year prison sentence. The defendant was also ordered to pay procedural costs. His existing security measure, requiring him to remain at a specified place, was left unchanged.

The ruling can still be appealed to the Kurzeme Regional Court.

The crash took place on November 24, 2025, when an Opel left the road and overturned onto its side. Four people were found beside the car and one was trapped inside. Rescuers freed the trapped person using hydraulic tools. Two injured people were taken to an ambulance, while medics pronounced three people dead at the scene.