CCTV footage helps Italian authorities detain a Saudi tourist who damaged the Roman monument.
ROME: An unnamed Saudi national faces hefty fines in Italy during a driving mishap in Rome. CCTV caught a 37-year-old tourist “accidentally” driving down the iconic Spanish steps.
The man appears to be making a routine drive until he seems to miss a turn. He then accidentally drives into the top of the flight of stairs. The man drove halfway down the column before stopping to inspect the position of the car. Police say he continued to drive down the steps and make a getaway.
The historical monument is part of Rome’s long list of Historical monuments. The passage linked Trinità dei Monti church to the Holy See. Architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi designed it in 1723 on orders of a French diplomat.
A police statement on the 13th of May read “Thanks to the additional checks carried out by the operators, with the contribution of the Milan-based car rental company, it was possible to identify the driver, who was stopped at the moment of delivery of the car at Malpensa airport, with the Collaboration of the Border Police. Regarding the citizen, 37 years of foreign nationality, the complaint was triggered for aggravated damage to cultural and monumental assets.”
Investigation by Police in Rome:
The man fled the scene and returned to Milan. The car belonged to a rental at Milan’s Malpensa Airport. The rental company noticed extensive damage to the car’s exterior and notified the police. The tourist claimed he simply lost his way and took a wrong turn during the investigation. The police are yet to release if the man was under the influence, but it seems unlikely.
CNN reported that ”The car caused fractures to the 16th and 29th steps of the right-hand flight rising up from Spanish Square.” Later reviews showed more damage done to other sections of the staircase.
Italian Heritage Conservation authorities temporarily revoked public access to the monument for emergency repair work. Conservators will likely conduct an extensive restoration project later.
The 37-year-old Saudi national will face fines for damaging a cultural heritage site as well as the rented sports car.
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