UPDATE: An Italian tourist’s holiday in Wales has turned into a financial nightmare after a hit-and-run incident on the M4 motorway. Maria Bandini, a 44-year-old estate agent from Lucca, Tuscany, is facing a shocking £1,800 bill from her rental car company after a van driver crashed into her vehicle and fled the scene.
The accident occurred at approximately 5:30 PM on December 27, while Ms. Bandini was stuck in traffic on the M4 westbound near Newport. She was driving a rented Citroen C4 en route to visit family in Pembrokeshire when a light-colored van, reportedly a Volkswagen, rear-ended her car.
“I am 100% not guilty of this accident,” Ms. Bandini stated, expressing her disbelief at the financial repercussions. The driver of the van quickly exited the motorway at junction 25, leaving Ms. Bandini without crucial information, including the registration number needed to claim damages.
Gwent Police are currently investigating the incident and reviewing CCTV footage to identify the fleeing driver. Meanwhile, Ms. Bandini has launched an urgent appeal for any eyewitnesses to come forward, as she attempts to recover her costs.
The crash triggered airbags in Ms. Bandini’s vehicle, and she described the moment as shocking. “The van driver was going quite fast and didn’t realize we were queueing,” she recounted. The impact caused significant damage to the rear of the rental car, which Enterprise subsequently held Ms. Bandini responsible for.
In her distress, Ms. Bandini recalled how the driver of the van insisted they move their car. “He was quite pushy about it,” she said. “As soon as I mentioned calling the police, he quickly drove away.” Witnesses noted that the van was leaking fluid as it exited the scene, indicating damage from the collision.
Enterprise has informed Ms. Bandini that without the van’s registration, they cannot recover costs from the other driver’s insurance. A spokesperson for Enterprise stated, “Until a third party is identified, we’re unable to recover any costs for the damages.”
The incident has left Ms. Bandini feeling at a loss. “I love Wales and have enjoyed many holidays here,” she said, reflecting on her memories of helping out at her aunt’s pub in Tenby. “This experience, however, has been devastating.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the hit-and-run to reach out. If you can assist in identifying the driver, please contact Gwent Police or email [email protected] to help Ms. Bandini resolve this distressing situation.
As investigations continue, Ms. Bandini’s ordeal highlights the urgent need for accountability in hit-and-run cases, especially for innocent victims caught in unforeseen circumstances.
