Witness Recalls ‘Pitkali Crate’ At Scene Before Fatal Olive-Skid Motorcycle Incident
In a tragic incident that resulted in the death of motorcyclist Marie Claire Lombardi, an eyewitness account places a van driver at the scene minutes before the accident.
The driver, a “white-haired man” was reportedly seen picking up a fallen pitkalija crate from the road, believed to have been the source of the olives which caused the fatal skid.
Lombardi, passed away after her vehicle skidded on olive remains on the road, believed to have fallen from a van. She was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital after being taken there in critical condition.
The accused, 79-year-old van driver Joseph Cortis, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of involuntary homicide of Lombardi.
The officer testified that she received a call from an eyewitness on October 26th, four days after the incident. The witness reported seeing a crate on the road, belonging to the Pitkalija fruit and vegetable distribution center, and a stationary blue van slowing down traffic.
A “white-haired man” later identified as Cortis, was seen picking up the crate.
Potential Olive Spill
The scene of the incident was the intersection of Rabat Road with the road leading to Buqana. The officer, who had just arrived at the Rabat police station for her night duty, received multiple calls about the accident and rushed to the scene.
Lombardi had already been transported to the hospital.
Upon examination of the site, the officer noticed “olive remains” on the ground, which she photographed and immediately reported to her superiors. These images will be presented as evidence in the upcoming court session.
Cross-examination revealed that there were two significant patches of squashed olives on the Ħemsija road. The court is scheduled to visit the accident scene for further investigation.
What do you make of this update?