The trial of Oscar Gonzalez for the High Peaks tragedy has begun: "I had to learn to speak and eat again"

Oscar González, former provincial legislator and government official, began his trial on Monday at the Villa Dolores Courts over the fatal crash on October 29, 2022, on the Camino de las Altas Cumbres. The incident, which left Alejandra Bengoa dead and two teenagers with severe injuries, has led to a high-profile legal proceeding. González faces charges of aggravated negligent homicide and aggravated negligent injury, while the prosecution seeks to classify the act as intentional homicide with eventual intent, resulting in a significantly harsher penalty. The collision occurred near the Niña Paula checkpoint, where González’s vehicle entered the wrong lane and collided head-on with a Renault Sandero driven by Bengoa and her daughters, Marina and Alexa. The three were traveling together when the crash happened. Bengoa did not survive, while the girls sustained serious injuries. This case has drawn intense public and judicial attention due to its political implications and the severity of the alleged misconduct. The trial marks the first time González will face the survivors directly since the accident. The state prosecutor will argue for charges of aggravated negligence, emphasizing the lack of intent behind the actions leading to the crash. In contrast, the defense, represented by attorney Miguel Ortiz Pellegrini, claims that the Renault Sandero illegally overtook a truck, crossing into the opposite lane and failing to return before colliding with González’s car. The defense plans to introduce new evidence during the initial hearing, though specific details remain undisclosed. González, once a prominent figure in Cordoba's Peronist movement, held several key positions including minister, chief of cabinet, and interim president of the Provincial Legislature. His influence was particularly strong in the San Javier department and the Traslasierra region. His career came to a sudden halt after the 2022 crash, following which he stepped down from his role in the legislature and withdrew from politics amid ongoing investigations. During the trial’s opening phase, Marina Bengoa, daughter of the deceased, gave testimony. She described the moments leading up to the crash, recalling the fear and confusion she felt alongside her mother. “We heard my mother’s scream and the car coming towards us,” she recounted. She explained that she managed to protect herself before losing consciousness. “I could only put my hands up… I woke up in the hospital,” she said. Marina also shared how the trauma affected her ability to speak about the incident. For a long time, she struggled to discuss the accident, even within her family. “Before, I didn’t feel ready… I still don’t… I couldn’t talk about it,” she admitted. Her emotional testimony highlighted the lasting psychological impact of the tragedy on the surviving family members. As the trial progresses, the court will hear further testimonies from witnesses and examine additional evidence. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for both González and the broader legal and political landscape in Cordoba. The proceedings continue with the expectation of more detailed accounts and legal arguments in the days ahead.