The driver of the car that killed two Irish tourists in Rome was found to be on drugs, reports The Mirror.
Reports in Italy say the driver’s blood tested positive for cocaine after Thursday’s crash killed husband and wife Mary and Paul Reilly.
It is understood that the level of cocaine in the 54-year-old driver’s blood means that more detailed tests will now be carried out to check whether he was impaired at the time of the crash.
The driver, who told police he tried to avoid the pair as they drove up the road at a pedestrian crossing, was not arrested.
The investigation also found he braked for about 50 meters before hitting Mary O’Reilly, 59, and her husband Paul, 60, who were on holiday in the Kilmore area of Co Wexford, reports The Mirror.
The accident happened on Via Cristoforo Colombo, about 15 kilometers south of Rome city centre.
It is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the city – seven people have died this year alone.
Meanwhile, the parish priest spoke of the devastation in the parish following the tragic death of the couple.
“We have to find ways of coping and find ways of being together, being in harmony, being united in our hearts and being there for each other,” Fr. Patrick Mernagh said reports The Mirror.
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