A woman accused of causing her friend's death in a high-speed Lamborghini crash claims the passenger tampered with the supercar's controls, triggering a surge that led to the fatal accident. Humaira Batool, 26, testified that Mohammed Shaan Hussain, 20, pressed buttons on the vehicle's console and steering wheel moments before the Lamborghini Urus accelerated uncontrollably. Batool is currently on trial for causing death by dangerous driving following the crash on the M62 near Ripponden, West Yorkshire, on December 21, 2022.
The vehicle was traveling at approximately 120 mph when it veered off the road, struck a barrier, and overturned. Attempts by other motorists to rescue Mr. Hussain were hampered by a fire and an explosion, and he died at the scene. Batool, who was 22 at the time of the incident, sustained serious injuries, including burns and a fractured tibia, and was found on a grass verge.
Prosecutors allege that Batool was driving at speeds exceeding 143 mph in dark, wet conditions, significantly over the speed limit. They contend her driving fell "far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver." Evidence presented in court, including footage, shows Batool moving from the passenger seat to the driver's seat while the car was stopped at traffic lights, contradicting her initial statement to police that she had been asleep and awoke when the car rolled.
Batool told the jury that Mr. Hussain, who had rented the Lamborghini, had been manipulating the car's controls and exclaimed, "Watch this, watch this" before reaching for the console and steering wheel. She stated the car "boosted" multiple times as he pressed buttons, causing her to panic.
However, a Lamborghini expert testified that the vehicle has no buttons or controls that could cause such sudden acceleration. The prosecution suggested Batool was making a "deeply distasteful attempt to put the blame for that grossly excessive speed upon the person who died."
During the defense's closing arguments, barrister Richard Dawson suggested the collision might have been an "accident in the true sense where no one is criminally to blame." He argued that high speed alone does not typically cause a car to lose control and leave the road, implying an unknown factor contributed to the crash. The defense also stated that the prosecution had not provided a definitive explanation for how or why the collision occurred.
Jurors are expected to begin deliberations after closing speeches from both the prosecution and defense.