Elderly Driver Gets Stuck on Rome's Iconic Spanish Steps
In a bizarre incident that captured the attention of onlookers, an 80-year-old man drove his car down the famous Spanish Steps in Rome early on Tuesday morning, only to become stuck partway down. Municipal police reported that the driver tested negative for alcohol, suggesting that he was not under the influence at the time of the mishap. However, it remains unclear whether the Mercedes-Benz he was driving belonged to him or if he was relying on a GPS navigation system.
Authorities did not disclose the identity of the driver or provide further details about how the incident unfolded. Firefighters were forced to deploy a crane to remove the stranded vehicle, highlighting the unusual and precarious nature of the situation.
The Spanish Steps, an iconic and historic structure, were not designed for vehicular travel, and such attempts are generally met with disapproval. While most reverence the monument, there have been occasions when thrill-seekers challenged the norm: notably, a Saudi man was charged with aggravated damage to cultural heritage for driving a rented Maserati down the 135 travertine steps in 2022. His actions were captured by a surveillance camera, which prompted legal action.
Built in the 1720s and located near the Spanish embassy to the Holy See, the Spanish Steps have long served as a picturesque backdrop in various films and are a beloved spot for tourists and locals alike. The current incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in preserving the integrity of such cultural landmarks against reckless behavior.
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