Kochi, Kerala – In what is being called one of the most expensive car crashes in India, two high-end Mercedes-AMG vehicles collided during a test drive on Willingdon Island, Kochi, leaving a trail of destruction and raising concerns about the safety of luxury test drives.
The incident occurred at around 3:10 PM when a Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, driven by a woman, lost control while speeding down the road from a nearby railway gate. The car struck an elevated section of an old railway track, causing it to veer into a Hyundai Accent before crashing head-on into a Mercedes-AMG SL 55 Roadster approaching from the opposite direction.
The force of the impact completely destroyed the front end of the GT 63 S E Performance and blew off the front wheel of the SL 55 Roadster. Both vehicles, known for their aggressive design and high-performance capabilities, were part of a test drive event organized by a prominent Mercedes dealership in Kochi.
Miraculously, all five individuals involved in the crash, including the woman driver, survived, though some sustained serious injuries. The woman driver was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where she is receiving treatment for severe injuries. Another individual, identified as Ashwin, suffered a serious leg injury and was also hospitalized.
The other injured parties, all residents of Ernakulam, include Suraj, Sachin, Anagha, and Sajimon. The latter was driving the Hyundai Accent involved in the accident. According to eyewitnesses, the situation could have been much worse, given the high speeds at which the vehicles were traveling.
Local police responded swiftly to the scene, moving the damaged vehicles to the station and registering a case based on a complaint filed by Sajimon. An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing, with authorities emphasizing the need for caution during such high-stakes test drives.
Automotive experts have weighed in on the incident, noting the sheer power and speed capabilities of the vehicles involved. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, priced at over Rs. 3.30 crore, boasts a staggering 831 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 316 km/h. Meanwhile, the SL 55 Roadster, priced at around Rs. 2.44 crore, is no slouch either, with 476 horsepower and a top speed of 295 km/h.
As the investigation continues, this crash serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with handling such powerful vehicles, even in controlled environments.
