Driver guilty over Moray crash that killed five people
Italian tourist Alfredo Ciocola drove a minibus onto the wrong side of the road
Last updated 14th Nov 2022
A man has been convicted in connection with a crash that killed five people in Moray.
50-year-old Alfredo Ciociola, from Sicily in Italy, was driving a Fiat minibus when he collided with a Nissan X-Trail on the A96 between Keith and Huntly on the 26th July 2018.
His son Lorenzo, 4, sadly died in the crash along with passengers Frances Saliba Patanè, 63. A number of other people also suffered serious injuries.
The occupants of the Nissan X-Trial who died were Edward Reid, 63, Evalyn Collie, 69, and Audrey Appleby, 70.
Chief Inspector Andrew Barclay said: “This was an incredibly distressing incident which has impacted on so many lives since it happened four years ago.
“It is a stark example of the consequences of driving while unfit to do so safely. In this instance Alfredo Ciociola continued to drive, despite being tired and ultimately, he fell asleep at the wheel, leading to this tragedy.
“It shows how any lapse in concentration while driving can result in tragedy.
“The impact of this incident on everyone who responded on the day and also on the wider community cannot be underestimated.
“Most importantly I want to extend my sympathies to the families and everyone directly affected by the loss of the five people who died.”