Văgiulești mayor's wife dies after car hits bridge pier

Maria Pîrjol, a 56‑year‑old teacher and the wife of the mayor of Văgiulești in Gorj County, Romania, died on Friday night when the car she was driving lost control and collided with a bridge pier in the village of Cârciu. Emergency services arrived quickly and performed resuscitation attempts, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Gorj County Police opened a criminal investigation for negligent homicide. Colleagues from the local school and many residents expressed shock and condolences on social media, describing her as a beloved educator and community member.