British tourists among 12 people run over by drunk driver in Portuguese holiday resort
A 35-year-old driver drove into a crowd of pedestrians in the Algarve resort of Albufeira in the early hours of the morning, injuring 12 people, including British tourists, after ignoring police orders to stop. The incident, which took place on the Oura strip, a popular nightlife area, ended when the driver crashed into another vehicle and attempted to flee on foot before being arrested by officers.
Portuguese police said the man's blood alcohol level was 1.29 g/l, nearly 26 times the country's legal drink-drive limit of 0.05%. Of the 12 injured, one is seriously hurt while 11 sustained minor injuries; those affected include Portuguese nationals, visitors from Scotland aged 18 to 22, and two police officers, all of whom received immediate medical treatment. The suspect has been arrested on charges of aggravated assault, dangerous driving and drink-driving, with the case referred to the courts and an investigation ongoing.
- Drunk driver injures 12, including Britons, in Albufeira, Portugal
- Suspect's blood alcohol was nearly 26 times legal limit
- One victim seriously hurt; driver arrested after crashing, fleeing on foot
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Portuguese police say a 35-year-old man drove his car into a crowd of pedestrians on the Oura strip in Albufeira, a busy nightlife area of the Algarve popular with British and Irish holidaymakers. The incident happened in the early hours of the morning after the driver reportedly failed to stop when ordered to by police, and ended when his car collided with another vehicle.
Albufeira is one of Portugal's best-known package-holiday destinations, and the Oura strip in particular is packed with bars and clubs frequented by young tourists, including many from the UK. Those hurt in the incident include British tourists, Portuguese nationals and two police officers, reflecting the mix of locals, officers on duty and holidaymakers typically present in the area at night.
The driver was arrested at the scene after allegedly trying to flee on foot, and police say tests indicated a blood alcohol level far above the legal limit. He now faces charges relating to the incident, with the matter passed to the Portuguese courts while an investigation continues.