In a bizarre turn of events in Rome, an 80-year-old man attempted to drive a Mercedes A-Class down the famous Spanish Steps early Tuesday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 4 a.m. and, while the driver managed to descend part of the steps, the car ultimately became stuck, necessitating the intervention of local police and the fire department.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported and authorities confirmed that there was no damage to the monument itself. The police noted that the driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, tested negative for alcohol and appeared to be in a state of confusion during the incident.
Eyewitness Sowad Mujibullah, who was on a night shift at a hotel nearby, described hearing a loud noise before witnessing the surreal scenario unfold. Initially mistaking it for a movie shoot, he quickly recognized the gravity of the situation and captured video footage that has since circulated widely online. He expressed his concern over the event, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical landmarks.
Italy’s strict regulations protect treasures like the Spanish Steps—officially known as Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti—from damage. Violators can face hefty fines or even imprisonment for endangering such significant monuments. This isn’t the first time the Spanish Steps have witnessed reckless behavior; incidents included tourists pushing scooters down the steps and a previous misadventure involving a Maserati.
As crowds draw to one of the most beloved sites in the world, the hope remains that measures will be taken to prevent such reckless acts in the future and safeguard the cherished history that defines Rome.
