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Reckless Driver Causes Devastating Tragedy, Escapes Imprisonment
15 Nov
Summary
- Driver with 12 prior disqualifications ignored warnings and drove into floodwaters
- 5-year-old boy trapped in car and died, driver avoided jail time
- Judge issued stern warning to the driver, saying he's "getting out by the skin of his teeth"
In a tragic incident that occurred over three years ago, a 40-year-old man named Joseph El Jer attempted to drive through a flooded causeway in New South Wales, Australia, despite clear warning signs. El Jer, who had a lengthy driving record with 12 prior disqualifications, ignored his wife's concerns and decided to "give it a go," ultimately leading to a devastating outcome.
As El Jer drove his ute (utility vehicle) into the floodwaters, which were up to 1.3 meters above the road, the vehicle was swept away by the fast-flowing water. While El Jer managed to escape and pull three other passengers to safety, a 5-year-old boy became trapped in his booster seat and tragically died.
