A British teenager, Thomas Johnson, aged 19, was sentenced to nine years in prison after causing the death of three friends in a severe car crash.
The young man was inhaling nitrous oxide, known as “laughing gas,” while driving at over 160 km/h on a road with a speed limit of 48 km/h in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.
The crash, which occurred in June 2023, happened when Johnson lost control of the vehicle, colliding with a lamp post, a stone wall, and finally a tree. Passengers Daniel Hancock, 18, Ethan Goddard, 18, and Elliot Pullen, 17, died at the scene due to their injuries.
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Images released by the police showed Johnson and his friends inhaling the gas moments before the tragedy, highlighting the recklessness and show-off behavior of the driver. Although nitrous oxide was not illegal at the time, driving under the influence of substances was considered a key factor in the crash. Since then, the gas has been classified as a Class C drug in the UK, reinforcing warnings about its dangers.
During the trial, Judge Emma Nott stated that Johnson would be marked by his mistakes but would have the opportunity to rebuild his life. She also noted that the severe brain and facial injuries suffered by the young man prevent him from recalling the details of the incident but serve as a permanent reminder of the consequences of his actions.
The victims’ families, devastated by the loss, warned of the risks of traveling with drivers who disregard passenger safety.
Source: Unilad | Photo: Thames Valley Police / X @ThamesVP | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team