Video of 2021 High Park collision that killed couple shown at trial of driver charged
A dashcam video that captured the moment a BMW rear-ended another vehicle near High Park, which set off a chain-reaction collision, was played at the trial of the man charged in the deadly 2021 crash.
Artur Kotula is facing two counts of dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm in connection with the collision that killed 71-year-old Valdemar Avila and his wife, 69-year-old Fatima, nearly three years ago.
Emergency crews respond to a fatal collision at Spring Road and Parkside Drive near High Park Tuesday, October 12, 2021.
The footage shows Kotula’s BMW crashing into the back of the Avila`s Toyota Matrix around 4:40 p.m. on Oct. 12, 2021.
According to the Agreed Statement of Facts, Kotula was driving southbound on Parkside Drive, approaching Spring Road, when he moved into the curb lane and hit the Toyota.
“A chain reaction of collisions ensued involving the five vehicles,” according to the document.
Meanwhile, Kotula then mounted the sidewalk and hit a hydro pole before stopping.
A collision reconstructionist report, one of the exhibits entered into court, concluded that the BMW struck the rear of the Matrix at a speed of 101 to 117 kilometres per hour, which was more than the posted limit in the area of 50 kilometres per hour.
Body camera footage from an officer who responded at the scene, which was also played at court, shows the aftermath of the collision with emergency crews tending to the victims.
A still from a Toronto police body cam footage shows the aftermath of a multi-vehicle collision near High Park on Oct. 12, 2021.
Valdemar was pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife Fatima died later that day in hospital. Two people from another vehicle sustained minor injuries.
According to the Agreed Statement of Facts, Kotula’s licence was suspended for medical reasons in March 2020 before it was reinstated in Jan. 2021.
The trial continues on Friday.
With files from CTV News Toronto’s Mike Walker
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies at 65
Former B.C. premier John Horgan, who helped the provincial NDP return to power after 16 years on the sidelines, has died.
Body found in Montreal park identified as cryptocurrency influencer
The body of a man that was found in a park in the Ahunstic-Cartierville borough last month has been identified as cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi.
Here's why thieves may be stealing butter in Canada
The case of the missing butter remains a mystery, but some have ideas on what's behind the unusual crimes.
2-year-old gorilla 'Eyare' dies unexpectedly at Calgary Zoo
A young gorilla at the Calgary Zoo has died. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo announced a member of its western lowland gorilla troop passed away unexpectedly, in a news release Tuesday.
History in Halifax is slowly being wiped off the map: study
Saint Mary's University archeologist Jonathan Fowler is sounding an alarm with a new study. According to Fowler, the centuries-old architecture that adds to Halifax’s heritage and historic vibe is slowly being wiped away as the city grows.
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu in critical condition, Dr. Bonnie Henry says
The teenager who is sick with the first-ever human case of avian influenza acquired in Canada is in hospital in critical condition, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday.
KFC sues Church's Chicken over 'Original Recipe'
KFC accused Church's Texas Chicken of violating its trademark rights when its fried chicken competitor began using the words 'Original Recipe' in its advertising and promotions.
Ottawa high school principal apologizes for song played during Remembrance Day assembly
The principal of an Ottawa high school is apologizing to students, parents and guardians after an Arabic-language song was played during the school's Remembrance Day service. The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is conducting a "thorough investigation" to ensure it "is addressed appropriately and meaningfully."
Union says it will challenge Ottawa's intervention in B.C. port work stoppages
The union representing locked-out port workers in British Columbia says it plans to challenge the federal government's intervention in the ongoing labour dispute.