Ferrari 488 Pista's Unintended Plunge: What Happened When a Supercar Took a Dip
Ever imagined watching a high-performance supercar like the Ferrari 488 Pista taking an unexpected dip in a river? Well, that's precisely what happened in Switzerland when the sleek Italian beast became an unwelcome guest of the Simme River.
The Incident:
The silver Ferrari 488 Pista was involved in a collision with another vehicle, leading to a dramatic plunge into the river. The incident occurred last Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. in Garstattlast, a region known for its picturesque landscapes and apparently, its hazardous roads. The sleek supercar collided with a vehicle traveling in the same direction on the road from Zweisimmen to Boltigen.
Escape and Rescue:
Fortunately, the Ferrari's driver escaped without serious injuries, although he had to endure a 40-minute wait in the water before being rescued. As the story unfolds, after the collision, the driver lost control, and the 488 Pista took a scenic detour straight into the chilly waters of the Simme River. Eyewitness video shared by 20 Minutes shows the nose of the car sticking out of the water, a sight that underscores the tragedy for any car enthusiast.
Spectacle in the River:
While the driver managed to extricate himself from the half-sunken Ferrari, reaching the riverbank on his own was a challenge. He waited alongside his submerged supercar until the police and firefighters arrived. Adrian Bieri, commander of the Boltiger Fire Department, mentioned that they responded with 16 men in three vehicles and even called the marine police due to the river's strong current. Using a ten-meter-long ladder, they successfully rescued the driver before a crane pulled the waterlogged Ferrari from its unexpected aquatic resting place.
Aftermath and Onlookers:
Both drivers involved in the collision were taken to the hospital as a precaution but did not suffer serious injuries. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances of the accident, trying to piece together how such an iconic car ended up in the river. It's worth noting that accidents are not uncommon on this road, which has an 80 km/h (50 mph) speed limit. Local media report numerous incidents on this particular stretch, hinting at underlying issues with road safety.
High-End Car Misadventures:
This incident isn't an isolated case of supercars taking unplanned swims. Recently, a new Porsche 911 GT3 RS faced a similar fate in Washington, US, and a classic Porsche 993 Turbo took an impromptu plunge off a bridge in Germany. The high season for high-end cars finding new homes in rivers is in full swing, it seems.
The image of a Ferrari 488 Pista, a marvel of automotive engineering, leading a baptism of sorts in a Swiss river is a tale that will surely resonate with supercar enthusiasts and casual readers alike. While the driver walked away with minor damage, the Ferrari’s fate, undoubtedly destined for extensive repairs or the scrapyard, serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of the road.