Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez is under investigation for involuntary manslaughter following a fatal collision with an 81-year-old man in an electric wheelchair, with Italian law outlining a range of potential penalties depending on the specific circumstances of the accident.
Martinez, a 27-year-old Spanish national and the club’s second goalkeeper, was driving his SUV near Inter Milan’s training center earlier this week when the incident occurred. He immediately stopped his vehicle and rendered assistance to the victim.
The elderly man was reportedly riding an electric wheelchair. Witnesses stated he showed signs of instability before suddenly leaving a bike path and entering the road. He was then struck by Martinez’s vehicle.
Police sources indicated that investigators have not ruled out the possibility the victim suffered a sudden medical event. This could include a seizure, which might have caused him to lose control of his wheelchair and become exposed to traffic. A woman driving behind Martinez confirmed observing the electric wheelchair moving abnormally just before the collision.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Authorities have seized both vehicles involved and closed the road for examination.
Italian legal statutes for involuntary manslaughter vary significantly based on the findings. If the death is determined to have resulted from a traffic offense committed by the driver, the law provides for a prison sentence ranging from two to seven years. It also includes the seizure of the driver’s license.
Should the offense be considered minor and unrelated to traffic violations, the penalty would be between six months and five years in prison, plus a fine.
However, a crucial aspect of the law states that if investigators prove the victim made a sudden and unpredictable maneuver, the case could be dismissed without criminal consequences for Martinez. In such a scenario, any responsibility would be limited to civil compensation, typically covered by insurance.