A car fleeing from the police was hit by a train in the Olomouc region

The pursuit of a fleeing [Škoda] Octavia in Olomouc turned into a drama. The driver, fleeing from a police patrol, drove onto a level crossing in Šternberk directly in front of a passing train.

Two injured passengers were rescued from the wrecked car after it collided with a panther. Fortunately, both survived. The passenger on the side where the train hit was in a worse condition, suffering serious injuries. The ambulance took both to the Olomouc University Hospital.

Police have now revealed how the accident happened and released a video of the dramatic chase that ensued after what started as a routine traffic stop.

In the morning, a patrol wanted to check an Octavia driving down Olomoucká Street, but the driver did not stop and began to flee toward Pískoviště Street. In his escape from the police patrol, he drove across the sidewalk and bike path.

"He didn't even get a kilometer away before his frantic drive ended at a railroad crossing when a passing passenger train hit him. The police immediately provided first aid to the driver and passenger. Both men survived and were taken to the University Hospital in Olomouc with injuries," said police spokesman Libor Hejtman.

According to the police, the 31-year-old driver explained his escape from the patrol by saying that he knew his driver's license had been suspended.

"In addition, he tested positive for amphetamine/methamphetamine. He was not under the influence of alcohol," said the police spokesman.

The 30-year-old passenger, who was the owner of the Octavia, suffered serious injuries. "He told the police that he was supposed to begin serving his sentence that day," said the police spokesman.

The case is being investigated by Olomouc criminal investigators.

"They have initiated criminal proceedings on suspicion of committing the offense of negligent grievous bodily harm, for which the driver faces imprisonment for six months to four years or a fine," added spokesman Hejtman.