Inter Milan goalkeeper 'under investigation for vehicular homicide' for accidentally killing an elderly man, 81

Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez is believed to be under investigation for vehicular homicide after killing an 81-year-old man in a car accident on Tuesday morning. 

Paolo Saibene, a local resident of Fenegro, a commune of Como where the tragedy took place, was using a motorised wheelchair in the cycle line when he is thought to have veered into the path of Martinez. 

The 27-year-old was driving his electric BYD SUV to Inter's training ground near Appiano Gentile when he struck Saibene, who died at the scene despite Martinez immediately intervening to help him.

As per Corriere della Sera, several of Martinez's Inter team-mates also tried to help Saibene, with the man attended to by a team doctor as they waited for paramedics sent by helicopter and ambulance. 

Martinez was later taken to hospital for tests to rule out drugs or alcohol in his system, and Inter manager Christian Chivu chose to cancel a planned pre-match press conference for 2pm outright.  

Police officers from Italy's Carabinieri based in the town of Lomazzo nearby have been investigating the incident, with reports in Italy suggesting that Saibene may have been medically incapacitated before he was struck. 

Saibene is thought to have appeared unstable before crossing into the busy road where he was hit and killed by Martinez, and both his wheelchair and Martinez's car have been seized as the investigation continues. 

Subject to the investigation's findings, Martinez could be subject to vehicular homicide, with a potential penalty of between two and seven years in prison should the Spain international be found to have violated any traffic regulations, such as speeding. 

However, if the investigation uncovers evidence which suggests Saibene had crossed into the road without warning, a criminal case could be dismissed, with only the possibility of civil compensation for Saibene's family. 

If Saibene's conduct before the crash was 'exceptional and unforeseeable', Martinez would not be liable.  

A former mechanic, Saibene lived in the village of Fenegro with his wife, and was a recognisable figure on its streets in his electric wheelchair. 

Inter are set to reach out to Saibene's family in the coming days to offer their condolences. 

Martinez was shaken by the incident, but unharmed. 

Since his arrival at the club at the start of last season, Martinez has made 12 appearances across all competitions, keeping seven clean sheets.

The Spain international, who has earned one cap during his senior career, was able to step up for his club when No 1 Yann Sommer fractured his thumb in February.

This season, as Chivu mulls Sommer's standing in the squad, Martinez has featured in two of their eight Serie A matches.