Driver was high on ecstasy when she crashed car on way home from Halloween party killing herself & pal

The tragic events of that fateful night will forever be etched in the memories of those who knew Sara Pancas and Sara Ribeiro. On November 3, 2024, the two friends, who shared a flat in Thetford, Norfolk, attended a Halloween party at the Kudos nightclub in Norwich. The evening, which was meant to be a night of fun and celebration, turned into a devastating tragedy that would claim the lives of both women. As they drove home in Sara Pancas’ new Mini, the car crashed into a tree on the A11, just outside of Norwich, killing Sara Ribeiro instantly and leaving Sara Pancas with fatal injuries that would eventually take her life two days later.

As the investigation into the crash began, it became clear that Sara Pancas had been driving under the influence of ecstasy, with toxicological tests revealing that she had 140 micrograms of MDMA per liter of blood in her system – 14 times the legal limit. The presence of cannabis in her system was also detected. The evidence painted a picture of a driver who was severely impaired, and whose judgment and reaction times were compromised by the substances she had taken. The crash, which occurred at 47 mph, was a direct result of Sara’s loss of control of the vehicle, which struck the kerb and crashed into a tree at the Thickthorn Roundabout. The severity of the impact was such that all four occupants of the car had to be pulled from the wreckage, with Sara Ribeiro pronounced dead at the scene.

The inquest, which was held at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, heard from Anna Dias, the front-seat passenger, who had sold the car to Sara Pancas just recently. Anna, who was airlifted to hospital after the crash, recalled that Sara had been nervous about driving that evening, citing her lack of experience driving on the left-hand side of the road. This anxiety was evident in Sara’s initial reluctance to drive, but ultimately, she decided to get behind the wheel. The inquest also heard from Vladmira Silva, the back-seat passenger, who suffered severe injuries, including facial fractures and a disjointed hip, and spent over a month in hospital recovering. Vladmira remembered Sara as a good driver who never used her mobile phone at the wheel and did not speed, but on this fateful night, the influence of ecstasy proved to be a fatal combination.

The investigation into the crash was led by Norfolk Constabulary’s Sophia Richards, who carried out a forensic crash investigation. Sophia’s expert analysis revealed that the presence of ecstasy in Sara Pancas’ system was the most likely cause of the collision. The evidence showed that both Sara Pancas and Sara Ribeiro had taken quantities of ecstasy, with Sara Pancas being more than 10 times over the legal limit. The impairment caused by the drug was deemed to be the primary factor in the crash, and the wreckage discovered by officers in a passing police car told a tragic tale of a night that had gone horribly wrong. The inquest’s findings were a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and the devastating consequences that can result from such actions.

The coroner, Yvonne Blake, delivered a joint conclusion of road traffic collision and drug-related death for Sara Pancas, and concluded that Sara Ribeiro’s death was a result of a road traffic collision. The inquest’s findings were a somber reminder of the importance of responsible behavior, particularly when it comes to driving. The tragic loss of two young lives serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and the importance of making responsible choices. As the community comes to terms with the loss of Sara Pancas and Sara Ribeiro, it is essential to acknowledge the devastating consequences of that fateful night and to learn from the mistakes of the past to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

In the end, the tragic events of that night will be remembered as a cautionary tale about the dangers of driving under the influence. The lives of Sara Pancas and Sara Ribeiro were cut short in their prime, and their families and friends will forever be left to grapple with the what-ifs and the could-haves. As the community mourns the loss of two young lives, it is essential to remember the importance of responsible behavior and the devastating consequences that can result from reckless actions. The memory of Sara Pancas and Sara Ribeiro will live on, and their story will serve as a reminder of the importance of making safe and responsible choices, particularly when it comes to driving. The inquest’s findings will hopefully serve as a warning to others, and the community will come together to support those affected by this tragic event, ensuring that the lives of Sara Pancas and Sara Ribeiro are not lost in vain.