A young woman cyclist was fatally struck by a truck in Stockholm, echoing a similar tragedy that claimed the life of Betsy Carling last year. Maria Ahlsdotter, who lost her partner Betsy in a similar accident, reflects on the lack of consequences and the need for improved cyclist safety in the city.
Tragic Truck Accident in Stockholm Revives Painful Memories
Tragic Truck Accident in Stockholm Revives Painful Memories
A woman has died after being hit by a truck in Stockholm. For Maria Ahlsdotter, it was a painful reminder of how her partner Betsy Carling was killed by a truck just a stone's throw away.
On Monday morning, an accident involving a truck and a cyclist occurred near Södersjukhuset in Stockholm.
The cyclist, a woman in her 20s, died. An investigation into gross negligence in traffic and causing another's death has been initiated.
One of those who drove past the accident site was Maria Ahlsdotter, 49.
– I usually try to avoid the area. But my children live there part-time, and today I was going to pick them up, she says.
“I Know What They Are Going Through”
Maria saw the police cordons and the cleaning truck washing the street and understood that something serious had happened. Then she received a notification on her phone about a fatal accident involving a bicycle and a truck.
– It just washed over me. I feel for this girl's family, I know what they are going through now. I also know that it is unlikely to lead to any consequences – other than for them.
On June 9, 2022, Maria's partner Betsy Carling, 46, was cycling a block away when she was hit by a truck. Betsy was struck by the right side of the truck's front when the driver made a right turn. She was then run over by the right rear wheel and died from her injuries.
The driver, who claimed he noticed nothing of the accident, was convicted of causing another's death. The district court found that the truck's near-zone mirror and front mirror were misaligned and that the right indicator was broken.
The Penalty: 4,000 Kronor Fine
The man was sentenced to a conditional sentence and 80 daily fines totaling 4,000 kronor. He did not lose his driver's license as a result of the verdict.
– There are no consequences for people losing their lives in this completely senseless way, says Maria Ahlsdotter.
She is also disappointed that the city of Stockholm is not doing more to improve traffic safety for cyclists.
– There is endless talk about how we should cycle more. It becomes somewhat hypocritical when at the same time nothing is done about people losing their lives while cycling in the city center.