New details have come to light about the fatal accident on Souda Avenue in the early hours of Saturday, which claimed the life of 22-year-old Panagiotis Karatzis.

Specifically, the 45-year-old driver of the Porsche that struck and killed the 22-year-old was found to have tested positive for alcohol in a breathalyzer test conducted by the Chania Traffic Police.

In fact, the 45-year-old had consumed alcohol above the legal limit, leading to the confiscation of his keys. They were handed over to another driver who arrived at the scene to collect him. However, the 45-year-old later regained possession of his car keys and became involved in the fatal accident, which claimed the life of the 22-year-old, who was driving a white Suzuki.

Additionally, just a few hours earlier, specifically at 11:20 PM on Friday night, the emergency hotline (100) received a call about the same vehicle and driver regarding dangerous driving and provocative behavior toward another driver in the Court Square area.

According to the victim who reported the incident, the 45-year-old was making illegal overtakes and later exited his vehicle, punching another car with his fists—an incident that was reported to the police.

It should be noted that the 45-year-old has been arrested, and a preliminary investigation into the incident is underway.

Police Announcement

“Regarding the fatal traffic accident that occurred in Chania, Crete, in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 11, 2025, the General Regional Police Directorate of Crete announces the following:

On the night of Friday, January 10, 2025, officers from the Chania Traffic Department caught a driver operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. A case file was filed against him, and his vehicle was immobilized while the corresponding administrative fine was issued.

A subsequent alcohol test conducted on another passenger of the vehicle yielded a negative result, and the keys were handed over to this individual with an official record of the handover.

Hours later, the offender managed to retrieve the vehicle’s keys and was subsequently involved in the fatal traffic accident.

Furthermore, it was determined that the driver did not possess a valid driver’s license, as it had previously been revoked for a traffic violation (driving under the influence of alcohol) by the BOAK Traffic Department.

The relevant Prosecutor of Chania was immediately informed about the incident, and a case file has been prepared.

At the same time, the Internal Affairs Division of Security Forces, following communication with its Prosecutor, forwarded a report from the General Regional Police Directorate of Crete—of which it was a recipient—to the Chania Prosecutor’s Office for further investigation into potential criminal liability of the police officers involved.

Finally, the General Regional Police Director of Crete has ordered an internal administrative investigation into the involved police officers.”