Casablanca: police officer killed in hit-and-run as suspected drunk driver arrested

Yesterday 19:30

A police officer was killed while carrying out traffic-control duties in Casablanca after being struck by a vehicle that fled the scene, with investigators later arresting the suspected driver and an accompanying passenger.

The incident occurred during the early hours of Saturday, September 26, in the Anfa district, where officers were conducting roadside checks. According to preliminary findings from the investigation, a car travelling at high speed collided with one of the officers before leaving the area.

The injured officer died while being transported to hospital.

Body-camera footage helps investigators identify vehicle

Investigators from the judicial police of Casablanca's Anfa district subsequently launched a search for the vehicle involved in the crash.

According to the initial investigation, footage recorded by the body-worn camera of members of the police patrol proved instrumental in tracing the car. The recordings enabled investigators to identify the vehicle and obtain its registration details.

The driver was subsequently arrested. Authorities said the woman was suspected of having been driving while heavily intoxicated when the collision occurred.

The circumstances surrounding the crash, including the sequence of events before and after the collision, remain under investigation.

Driver and passenger placed under judicial investigation

The suspected driver and the passenger travelling with her have both been placed under judicial investigation under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor's office.

The inquiry is intended to establish the full circumstances of the accident and determine the legal responsibility of those involved. Authorities are also examining the conduct surrounding the alleged hit-and-run and the suspected state of intoxication.

The investigation is expected to clarify the precise circumstances in which the officer was struck and the actions taken by the occupants of the vehicle after the collision.

Posthumous promotion announced for officer

The case has also prompted an official response from Morocco's security authorities.

The Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance decided to grant the deceased officer an exceptional posthumous promotion in recognition of his service and the circumstances in which he died while performing his duties.

The Mohammed VI Foundation for Social Works of National Security Personnel was also instructed to provide the officer's family with the necessary support and assistance.

The foundation will additionally convey official condolences to the family following the death of the officer, whose final assignment was part of routine traffic-control operations in Casablanca.

Investigation continues

The judicial investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish all the facts surrounding the fatal collision. The case highlights the risks faced by police officers during roadside enforcement operations, while the judicial process will determine the offences and responsibilities arising from the incident.