Oil in pipes 'could have made SUV accelerate'
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ELAINE KEOGH
AN SUV which crashed killing two young children was travelling at between 81-110km/h when it struck a building, according to an expert witness yesterday.
On trial is Vera Murden (40), from Fatima Court, Dundalk, who denies dangerous driving causing the deaths of brother and sister Jenna (4) and Jayden Murden (1), her niece and nephew.
They were among five children in her vehicle when it crashed in Dundalk on January 31st, 2009.
Denis Wood, a consultant engineer, retained by the defence, twice examined the Hyundai Santa Fe and said he saw oil in pipes connected to the engine intercooler.
Mr Wood said this could result in an acceleration of the engine that could not be controlled by the driver. The jury had earlier been told by counsel for the defence, Giollaiosa O Lideadha SC, that it was their case a fault with the engine caused the SUV to accelerate out of control.
Under cross-examination by Jonathan Kilfeather SC for the prosecution, Dr Wood acknowledged there was no evidence the rear seat belts had been used nor was there any sign of child seats or booster seats.
The case continues today.
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