Italy highway accident kills 20-year-old of Albanian origin

Thomas Qirjaj, a 20-year-old man of Albanian origin, died following a serious traffic accident on the A1 highway near Melegnano, Italy, in the early hours of October 30. Qirjaj was traveling with four friends in a Volvo with Swiss license plates when the vehicle lost control and struck the highway median.

After the initial collision, Qirjaj exited the vehicle to place an emergency warning triangle and alert other drivers to the danger. During this time, he was struck by an SUV driven by a 25-year-old from Modena, who reportedly failed to see him in time. Qirjaj was rushed to Predabissi Hospital in Vizzolo but succumbed to his injuries.

The four other passengers in the Volvo were not seriously injured. The incident has deeply affected the community of Caorso, where Qirjaj lived with his parents. Local officials, including the Mayor of Caorso, Roberta Battaglia, expressed condolences, noting his integration into the community. An amateur football club where he played also canceled a scheduled match in mourning.

Italian Road Police and the Prosecutor's Office of Lodi have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the accident. The driver of the SUV is expected to undergo toxicological testing as part of the standard investigative procedures.