Inter`s second goalkeeper is under investigation for vehicular homicide. Alcohol tests were negative, and his phone was seized. Initial hypotheses suggest the elderly man`s quadricycle unexpectedly swerved into the road.
A small electric quadricycle suddenly appeared in the lane, an unavoidable collision with the car, and a lifeless body on the asphalt: this is how a routine journey to training dramatically altered the life of Josep Martinez, Inter Milan`s second goalkeeper. The 27-year-old Spaniard is officially under investigation for vehicular homicide following a morning accident that resulted in the immediate death of 81-year-old Paolo Saibene, a local resident. Saibene, a retired former factory worker with walking difficulties, typically used his electric vehicle on the bike path adjacent to Provincial Road 32, a few kilometers from the sports center. On this occasion, it appears the quadricycle inexplicably wobbled and suddenly entered the car lane, according to Martinez`s statements and other motorists who arrived shortly after. Despite Martinez`s attempt to brake, the impact was fatal, evidenced by dozens of meters of tire marks on the road.
The Facts
The incident occurred shortly after 9:30 AM on Via Bergamo in Fenegrò, a town in the province of Como, near Inter`s training ground. This road is routinely traveled by many Inter players. Attempts to assist the elderly man by Martinez himself and a woman driving behind him were futile: she, along with another passenger, had also noticed the quadricycle`s abnormal movement and attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation, unfortunately without success. Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, including an ambulance from Saronno and a helicopter ambulance from Como, the death was confirmed at the scene. Carabinieri from nearby Lomazzo arrived to conduct investigations and reconstruct the dynamics of the fatal accident. Martinez sustained no physical injuries but was in a state of shock; the club promptly dispatched a doctor, team manager, and security chief to assist him.
Dangerous Zone
The provincial road passing through the town is a single lane in each direction, without a central divider, and features two small continuous yellow lanes on the sides. This stretch is known to be dangerous due to numerous accidents, some serious, occurring in the same kilometer, often because of the close proximity between cyclists and cars. Martinez was driving his BYD SUV, Inter`s new automotive partner, which he had received only fifteen days prior; it was only his second time driving that vehicle. The speed limit on this section is 70 km/h; according to the Carabinieri, no violations regarding Martinez`s vehicle speed were found. The goalkeeper was taken to Saronno hospital for alcohol and drug tests, both of which were negative. He then gave a lengthy testimony at the Lomazzo station, supported by a criminal defense lawyer provided by the club. The testimonies of the two women in the car behind him corroborated his account of the events.
The Investigation
The investigation, under the jurisdiction of the Como public prosecutor`s office, is being led by Deputy Prosecutor Giulia Ometto, who will order an autopsy in the coming days. The hypothesis that the elderly man may have suffered an illness and lost control of his vehicle is not being ruled out. The prosecutor ordered the seizure of both the quadricycle, severely damaged by the collision, and Martinez`s SUV, as well as his mobile phone to ascertain if it was in use at the time of the incident. The investigations are expected to take several months, during which Martinez will remain under investigation for vehicular homicide. This offense, in its simplest form (Article 589-bis of the Penal Code), carries a theoretical sentence of 2 to 7 years imprisonment. However, if the victim`s sudden swerving is confirmed, the proceedings would be dismissed without criminal consequences.
