A Mount Pearl man charged in the aftermath of a highway crash that killed two young women has been committed to stand trial.

This was supposed to be day one of a five-day preliminary inquiry to determine if there is enough evidence to send 72-year-old Austin Deir to trial.

But that won’t be necessary now, after the defence chose not to challenge the evidence and consented to trial on two counts each of impaired and dangerous driving causing death.

The devastating head-on collision between a car and SUV occurred on January 21st of last year near Arnold’s Cove, and claimed the lives of Haley Keating and Erin Pretty, both 22.

Deir was pulled from his burning SUV with serious injuries and, according to police, showed signs of impairment.

He was charged six months later after police lab results came back. Two months after that, the charges were amended to include impairment by drug, alcohol or combination of both.

Deir was in the Clarenville courtroom today, along with many others inside and out, grieving the loss of the victims.

He remains free on conditions pending the next court date on April 17th.