The painful facts of a crash that killed two young women on the Trans-Canada Highway last year were read aloud in Clarenville provincial court this morning.

Erin Pretty and Haley Keating, both 22, died in the head-on collision on Sunday, January 21st, 2024 near Arnold’s Cove.

It was just after 3 p.m. when, according to the agreed statement of facts, Austin Deir’s Chevy Equinox crossed the centre line and collided head-on with the girls’ Hyundai Elantra.

Pretty, from Dildo, was pronounced dead at the scene while Keating, of Long Harbour, died in hospital a week later.

Deir was hauled through the window of his burning SUV with serious injuries and survived.

According to the facts, several witnesses saw Deir’s vehicle swerving in and out of his eastbound lane prior to impact, which saw both vehicles fly into the air, with the Elantra ending up in a ditch and the SUV in flames in the middle of the road.

Deir was originally charged with two counts each of impaired and dangerous driving causing death.

But he later pleaded guilty to only the dangerous driving charges, while the Crown conditionally withdrew those related to impaired driving.

A hearing is now underway regarding police actions in the immediate aftermath of the crash involving Deir’s rights and the allegations of impairment.

Sentencing remains set for October 31st.