Granges-près-Marnand, Vaud – A 74-year-traditional woman died on Sunday, March 9, 2026, after a vehicle she was traveling in was struck by a car fleeing police. The incident, which occurred in Granges-près-Marnand, resulted in multiple injuries, including those to the fleeing driver and his passenger, both 16 years old. The Canton of Vaud police initiated the chase after receiving reports of stolen license plates, leading to a tragic outcome on the road to Sassel.
The sequence of events began in Sâles FR, where officers attempted to stop a vehicle with reported stolen plates. According to a statement released by the Canton of Vaud police on Monday, the driver refused to comply and initiated a pursuit. After briefly losing sight of the vehicle, police relocated it in Grandsivaz FR, resuming the chase with assistance from the Canton of Fribourg and the Vaud canton police. The pursuit ended in a devastating collision on the road leading to Sassel.
The driver of the fleeing vehicle lost control, resulting in a head-on impact with an oncoming car. The 74-year-old passenger in the second vehicle died at the scene. The 76-year-old driver of that car sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Bern for treatment. Both the 16-year-old driver and his 16-year-old passenger were also hospitalized with injuries sustained in the crash. The incident prompted a significant emergency response, including four ambulances and a helicopter from REGA, the Swiss Air-Rescue service.
The Canton of Fribourg police confirmed that the initial attempt to intercept the vehicle stemmed from a report of stolen license plates. The subsequent pursuit involved a coordinated effort between police forces from both the Cantons of Fribourg, and Vaud. The road connecting Sassel and Granges-près-Marnand was closed for several hours following the accident to allow for investigation and cleanup.
Investigation Underway
The youth court has opened a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the driver losing control of the vehicle. The investigation will likely focus on the speed and manner of driving during the pursuit, as well as any contributing factors that may have led to the crash.
This incident highlights the dangers associated with high-speed pursuits and the potential for tragic consequences. The case raises questions about the balance between law enforcement’s duty to apprehend suspects and the safety of the public.
Multiple Injuries Reported
In addition to the fatality, the accident resulted in serious injuries to three individuals. The 76-year-old driver of the vehicle struck by the fleeing car remains hospitalized in Bern with critical injuries. The two 16-year-old occupants of the fleeing vehicle were also transported to a hospital for treatment. Their conditions have not been released.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of all road users and the potential for devastating outcomes when traffic laws are disregarded.
Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses as part of their investigation. The youth court will ultimately determine the appropriate course of action based on the findings of the investigation.
The tragic loss of life and the injuries sustained in this incident serve as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving and adherence to traffic regulations.
What comes next is a thorough investigation by the youth court, which will determine the legal consequences for the 16-year-old driver. The focus will be on establishing the facts and ensuring justice is served while also considering the age and maturity of the individual involved.
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