Drunk Driver Stopped in Belsh: How 13 Students Were Saved from Tragedy

A grave incident that could have resulted in a fatal outcome was prevented in time by the State Police in the city of Belsh. On May 5, 2026, following a direct report from a concerned citizen, officers intercepted Sazan Gjolena, who was transporting 13 students from the Sami Frasheri high school while under the influence of alcohol. This incident raises serious questions regarding the oversight of school transportation in rural areas of Albania.

The Dynamics of Stopping the Drunk Driver in Belsh

The Cerrik operations room received an urgent alert regarding the driver of a Benz Sprinter vehicle with license plate AA198FR. The driver, Sazan Jashar Gjolena, born on July 20, 1972, was performing student transport duties when he was intercepted by the Belsh Police Station patrol. The intervention took place on the BelshGjolene road axis, successfully avoiding a potential collision on a route frequently used by students. Following the stop, the vehicle was secured, and the students were transferred to another transport vehicle to reach their destination without further issues.

Breathalyzer Test Results

After being taken into custody, Sazan Gjolena was subjected to an alcohol breathalyzer test in two separate trials. The results confirmed that he was under the influence of alcohol, with levels recorded at 0.68 mg/l and 0.67 mg/l. These figures indicate a high level of blood alcohol concentration, which severely impairs the ability to operate a vehicle, especially when minors are on board.

Road Safety and Institutional Responsibility

The case in Belsh demonstrates that citizen reporting remains the strongest weapon for preventing accidents. Often, student transport in remote areas is carried out by vehicles that are not subject to strict periodic inspections. This situation requires increased monitoring by local police units and the respective municipalities. Beyond punishing the driver, it is essential that transport companies guarantee the physical integrity and sobriety of their personnel before they begin their daily service.

Analysis of the Student Transport Situation

In Albania, school transportation remains a delicate sector that requires deeper intervention. While the law is clear regarding the prohibition of alcohol, its enforcement requires constant cooperation between parents, schools, and the police. This incident in Belsh is a wake-up call for all parents who entrust the lives of their children to van drivers every morning. A random check or a timely report can make the difference between a normal school day and a national tragedy.

The Role of Active Citizenship

The action taken by the citizen who notified the Cerrik operations room proves that public awareness is on the rise. Without this alert, Sazan Gjolena could have continued his journey with 13 students on board, endangering their lives with every meter of the road.

Procedural Consequences for the Driver

Following the confirmation of his intoxicated state, Sazan Gjolena was escorted to the Elbasan Local Police Directorate for further procedural actions. According to the road code and the legal provisions in force, driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol above the permitted limits carries severe administrative and criminal consequences. This case will serve as an investigative file to evaluate whether the driver has had previous violations during the exercise of his profession as a student transporter.

FAQ

What happened to the van driver in Belsh?

The driver, Sazan Gjolena, was stopped by the police after it was discovered he was driving under the influence of alcohol with 13 students on board. He was taken to the police station for further legal proceedings.

How was the driver's intoxication discovered?

The police intervened following a report from a citizen to the Cerrik operations room. After being stopped, the driver was subjected to an alcohol test, which returned positive results in two trials.

Are the students safe after this incident?

Yes, the police ensured the transportation of the students via a different vehicle after stopping the driver, allowing them to reach their destination without any health-related harm.

Conclusion

This incident in Belsh serves as a strong reminder of the need for maximum vigilance in traffic. If you notice irregularities in the transportation of children, report them immediately to emergency numbers. Stay informed with Librazhdi Press for all the latest developments from the region and the country.

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