Fact Check: Firefighters used a crane to remove a car stuck on the Spanish Steps!

Fact Check: "Firefighters used a crane to remove a car stuck on the Spanish Steps!"

What We Know

On a Tuesday morning, an 80-year-old man drove a luxury Mercedes-Benz down the iconic Spanish Steps in Rome, resulting in the vehicle getting stuck partway down. According to reports, the man tested negative for alcohol and was cited by municipal police for driving on the historic monument, which is not intended for vehicles (AP News). Firefighters were called to the scene and used a crane to remove the car from the steps, taking precautions to protect the travertine surface with wooden boards to prevent further damage (The Daily Beast, Wanted in Rome).

Analysis

The claim that firefighters used a crane to remove a car stuck on the Spanish Steps is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The AP News article confirms that firefighters utilized a crane for this purpose, and the same information is echoed in reports from The Daily Beast and The Independent. The consistency across these sources lends credibility to the claim.

Additionally, the historical context of the Spanish Steps adds weight to the seriousness of the incident. The steps are a protected monument, and driving on them is illegal, as noted in several reports (The Guardian). This context underscores the unusual nature of the incident, which has occurred before with other motorists attempting similar illegal maneuvers.

While the sources are generally reliable, it is important to note that they are news outlets that may have varying degrees of editorial bias. However, the factual nature of the event—namely, the use of a crane by firefighters—remains consistent across reports.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that firefighters used a crane to remove a car stuck on the Spanish Steps is accurate and supported by multiple credible news sources. The incident highlights both the unusual behavior of the driver and the measures taken by emergency services to address the situation.

Sources

1. An 80-year-old drives a luxury Mercedes sedan down Rome's Spanish Steps ...
2. Elderly Man Gets Stuck While Trying to Drive Down Rome's Spanish Steps
3. Elderly driver gets Mercedes stuck on Rome's famous Spanish Steps
4. Motorist, 81, drives down Spanish Steps in Rome
5. Elderly driver gets Mercedes stuck on Rome's famous Spanish Steps
6. Elderly man drives car down Rome's Spanish Steps - MSN
7. Man, 80, gets stuck trying to drive down the Spanish Steps in Rome
8. Man, 80, gets stuck trying to drive down the Spanish Steps in Rome