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Police investigate injured JJ Lehto after boat crash

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

Police are looking into a boat crash involving former formula one driver JJ Lehto.

It emerged at the weekend that the 44-year-old Finn, who drove for teams including Sauber and Benetton until 1994 and is now a commentator, swam ashore after the six-metre boat struck a bridge pillar at 4am last Friday morning.

JJ Lehto sustained head injuries and broken ribs, but the other occupant of the boat did not survive.

According to a report in Finland's Turun Sanomat, JJ Lehto failed an alcohol breath test, and police suspect he might be guilty of other offences, including speeding in the narrow channel.

Locals said the boat belonged to JJ Lehto, and an eyewitness who initially treated the veteran of 70 grands prix said he thought the Finn was drunk.

A police superintendent is quoted as saying JJ Lehto might be charged with safety offences, including culpability for the death of his friend.

"Some kind of offense is suspected, but I am not taking a position until it becomes clearer who did what," officer Juha-Pekka Vuorinen, who said JJ Lehto had undergone surgery, is quoted by Ilta-Sanomat.

And Juha-Pekka Vuorinen is quoted by HBL: "We cannot interview someone who is still strongly medicated. The doctors say he could be discharged (from hospital) in a week and then we will hear from him as soon as possible."



Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
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  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada