Car Stunt Gone Wrong: A Driver's Ill-Fated Journey Down Rome's Spanish Steps

On Tuesday morning, an 80-year-old man attempted to navigate his car down the Italian landmark, drawing swift police attention and public outcry.

In an alarming yet oddly captivating incident, a man drove his Mercedes A-Class down the historic Spanish Steps in Rome early Tuesday morning. The event unfolded shortly after dawn and quickly drew the attention of local law enforcement. The 80-year-old driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, misjudged the accessibility of the monument, which is prohibited to vehicles. The car managed to progress partway down the steps before getting firmly lodged, hindering further progress.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported following this bizarre decision, and authorities confirmed that the driver tested negative for alcohol. Witnesses described him as looking confused while interacting with police. A circulating video from the scene captures the slow descent of the car, adding to the surreal nature of the incident. The fire department was subsequently called in to remove the vehicle using a crane, restoring some semblance of order.

The Spanish Steps, known as Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti in Italian, are one of Italy's most cherished landmarks. Incidents involving vehicles navigating these historical structures are rare but have occurred before. In 2022, two American tourists caused significant damage by pushing an electric scooter down the steps, resulting in expenses exceeding 25,000 euros (approximately $27,000). Earlier that same year, a man controversially drove his Maserati down the steps after missing his turn.

Amidst the chaotic scene, Sowad Mujibullah, an employee at a nearby hotel, experienced the unusual event firsthand. Initially mistaking the commotion for a film shoot, he quickly realized it was an earnest but misguided venture. Capturing the moment on video, he expressed dismay at the potential damage to such a culturally significant site, emphasizing, "It should not be destroyed by these crazy things."

The penalties for damaging landmark properties in Rome are severe, including up to a year in prison and fines exceeding 2,000 euros (about $2,300), underscoring the importance of preserving these invaluable monuments for future generations.