Lawsuit alleges intoxicated driver hit two Cal Poly students and fled
A lawsuit alleges that 20-year-old Ishan Pandhare drove a Tesla at about 60 mph in a 25-mph zone while under the influence and hit two 19-year-old Cal Poly students, Lilianne Burke and Zoey Archibald, on 8 January. The women were walking with friends to celebrate a birthday; the complaint says Pandhare drove away without stopping, and that both needed surgery and continued treatment.
The suit, filed on 10 July, names several defendants and seeks damages for physical injuries and emotional distress. It alleges that Pandhare was served alcohol at two gatherings and that the Tesla’s owner let him drive despite knowing, or having reason to know, he was intoxicated. Burke and Archibald also accuse Kappa Sigma of violating California hazing rules by encouraging alcohol consumption. Pandhare has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges including DUI causing injury and hit-and-run; a jury trial in the civil case is requested.
In short
- Lawsuit alleges an underage driver hit two Cal Poly students while drunk.
- The complaint says he left the scene without stopping.
- Several people and a fraternity are accused of contributing to the incident.
Explained simply
Cal Poly is a university in San Luis Obispo, California. Ishan Pandhare is facing criminal charges over a January crash involving students Lilianne Burke and Zoey Archibald; he has pleaded not guilty. A civil lawsuit is a separate case in which people seek compensation for harm they say they suffered.
The suit names Pandhare, the Tesla’s owner and others, including the university fraternity Kappa Sigma. It alleges that alcohol was served at two gatherings and that the car owner allowed Pandhare to drive despite signs he was intoxicated. These are claims in the lawsuit, not findings by a court.
The case matters because it raises questions about responsibility for injuries, alcohol service and the conduct of organisations connected to student life. The criminal case and the civil case follow different processes and can reach separate conclusions.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Speeding underage drunk driver mowed down two sorority sisters, both 19, then sped off without stopping to check on them, lawsuit alleges”.