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

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

What We Know

On June 18, 2025, an 80-year-old man drove a Mercedes A-Class down the Spanish Steps in Rome, a historic site that is closed to vehicles. The car became stuck partway down the steps, prompting a response from the fire department, which used a crane to remove the vehicle (source-1, source-2). Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the driver tested negative for alcohol (source-3). The incident has drawn attention due to the historical significance of the steps, which were built in the 1720s and are a protected monument (source-7).

Analysis

The claim that firefighters used a crane to remove the car from the Spanish Steps is supported by multiple credible sources. Reports from both the New York Times and the Associated Press confirm that the fire department intervened and utilized a crane to lift the vehicle off the steps (source-1, source-2). The incident was described as shocking by witnesses, and videos of the event circulated online, further corroborating the occurrence (source-1).

The reliability of the sources is high, as they include major news outlets such as the New York Times, Associated Press, and CNN, which are known for their journalistic standards and fact-checking processes. Additionally, the incident was reported by multiple outlets, indicating a consensus on the facts surrounding the event.

However, it is important to note that while the reports confirm the use of a crane, they do not provide detailed information on the extent of any damage to the steps or the vehicle itself, which remains unclear (source-3).

Conclusion

The claim that firefighters used a crane to remove a car stuck on the Spanish Steps is True. Multiple credible sources confirm that an elderly man drove his car down the steps and that firefighters were required to use a crane to extract the vehicle. The incident highlights ongoing issues with vehicle restrictions at this historic site, which has seen similar incidents in the past.

Sources

1. A Man Drove a Car Down Rome's Spanish Steps. It Did Not Go Great.
2. An 80-year-old drives a luxury Mercedes sedan down Rome's Spanish Steps ...
3. Elderly man drives down Rome's Spanish Steps and gets stuck
4. Man drives Mercedes down Rome's Spanish Steps and gets ...
5. Elderly Man Gets Stuck While Trying to Drive Down Rome's Spanish Steps
6. Man drives Mercedes down Rome's Spanish Steps and gets stuck
7. Elderly driver gets Mercedes stuck on Rome's famous Spanish Steps
8. Elderly driver gets Mercedes stuck on Rome's famous ...