Driver Gabriele Popovici charged after deadly Senago car crash kills three teens
On the early morning of 21 June, an Audi A2 carrying nine teenagers veered off a dark curve near Senago, Italy, and plunged into the Villoresi canal. The impact filled the vehicle with water. Three 17‑year‑old passengers – Camilla Copparoni, Lorenzo Benin and Riccardo Provasi – died, while six survived after escaping through windows or swimming to shore.
The car was driven by 18‑year‑old Gabriele Popovici, who was later found to have a blood‑alcohol level of about 1.61 g/L, roughly three times the legal limit for a novice driver. Survivors said they repeatedly urged him to slow down, but the vehicle accelerated inexplicably before losing stability. Popovici attempted to rescue Camilla after reaching the bank.
The driver was arrested, held at San Vittore prison, and faces charges of aggravated multiple homicide due to reckless driving under the influence. Prosecutor Rosario Ferracane has requested custodial detention pending further investigation, and a judge will decide on the precautionary measures. The crash occurred as the group returned from a party at the Line discotheque in Lainate, highlighting concerns over youth driving safety and alcohol consumption.