A MAN has been arrested over the hit-and-run death of Norwegian teenager Nikoline on the Costa del Sol.
Spain’s Guardia Civil has detained the driver of a van suspected of fatally striking Nikoline Piwoni Hoie, 17, as she attempted to cross the A-7 motorway near Mijas at around 5.20am on July 6.
Officers reportedly identified the suspect after reviewing CCTV footage from the area, with the vehicle showing damage consistent with a collision – including a cracked windscreen and dented bodywork.
The development, first reported by investigative outlet El Español, comes as investigators continue to piece together the teenager’s final hours after she vanished from a Puerto Banus bar where she had been celebrating Norway’s victory over Brazil with friends.
A recent report by El Español revealed that Nikoline left Marbella’s Funky Buddha nightclub with two young men after her friends lost sight of her at around 4am.
She then shared an Uber ride with the pair, which El Español said had been booked through her Uber account.
In a statement to the Spanish outlet, an Uber spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident and extend our heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family.
“We are cooperating with the authorities in their investigation.”
Investigators say Nikoline asked the Uber driver to drop her off near the Riviera del Sol exit on the A-7, around 20 minutes into the journey.
From there, officers believe she headed back towards the motorway, apparently trying to reach a taxi rank on the opposite carriageway.
Rather than using the nearby pedestrian underpass, investigators suspect she attempted to cross the road on foot before being struck by the van at around 5.20am.
A passing lorry driver is said to have witnessed the collision, stopping to help and remaining with the victim until emergency services arrived.
According to reports, any criminal liability on the part of the arrested driver will depend on the findings of the Guardia Civil’s accident reconstruction team.
If investigators conclude he was travelling within the speed limit and had no realistic opportunity to avoid the collision, he is unlikely to face charges over causing Nikoline’s death.
READ MORE: Norwegian teen Nikoline left Uber with two men before fatal Mijas hit-and-run, investigators reveal
Instead, the investigation is expected to focus on whether he committed offences by failing to assist the victim.
Forensic specialists are examining the van for evidence of the impact, while investigators continue to analyse tyre marks, vehicle speed and other evidence gathered from the scene.
At the same time, officers are trying to establish why Nikoline left the Uber before reaching her destination.
Toxicology tests are expected to determine whether alcohol or drugs played a role, while police are also working to trace and interview the two young men who travelled with her in the Uber.
The arrested driver is expected to appear before a judge in the coming hours as the investigation continues.
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