Three years in jail for driver in 2010 crash that killed two
Posted March 1, 2012 4:33 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – A 21-year-old man from Burnaby has been sentenced to three years in prison for his role in the horrific crash that killed two people and seriously injured three others.
Baldip Chandi was at a friend’s birthday party during the 2010 Olympics. He had been drinking and offered to give his friends a ride home.
Six people and Chandi piled into his Nissan Altima. Five of them climbed into the back seat.
No one in the back had a seat belt on as the car sped down Willingdon Avenue and hit a barrier. The car became airborne, flipped upside and smashed into a light pole. It then came crashing down on its roof.
Ferdinand Carrion, 18, died at the scene and his sister Cory Manson says the last two years have been tough on her family. “He was my only brother and it’s hard to put into words,” Manson said.
“We were really close and not having a family member in my life anymore, it almost seems like it’s a dream. Sometimes I feel like he’s not dead and he’s coming back. Getting over the fact that it’s happened is hard to accept.”
Alyssa Alanis was in the car and doesn’t remember anything about the crash.
She survived but her boyfriend 20-year-old Angelo Reyno was killed. “I will be very close [Angelo’s] family and to him,” Alanis sobbed.
“I know his spirit is here. Also, I want to say thank to everyone who helped save my life, especially the police, ambulance and doctors who have taken care of my body. We’re very blessed to have wonderful people to help us.”
Manson is hoping this case will make people think twice about drinking and driving.
“Don’t do it because it’s not worth it,” Manson said.
“You think you can get away with it but it only takes one time for this to happen. Really think about it. The risk is always there.”
Chandi pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
He was also handed a 10-year driving ban.
Thirty four people wrote letters supporting Chandi, who arrived at the courthouse with his family.
Provincial Court Judge Frances Howard noted he had the support of his family and also that he regularly donated his time to charity as she read her sentence.
“He has demonstrated a mature sense of responsibility,” Howard said.
