Fact Check: "Man tested negative for alcohol after driving down iconic Spanish Steps!"
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, an 80-year-old man drove a luxury Mercedes sedan down the Spanish Steps in Rome, a historic monument not designed for vehicles. According to reports, the municipal police confirmed that the man tested negative for alcohol at the scene of the incident (The Guardian, ABC News). The police did not provide additional details about whether the driver was using a navigation system or if the car belonged to him (The Guardian).
The incident occurred early in the morning, and firefighters were called to assist in removing the vehicle, which had become stuck on the steps (The Guardian). The Spanish Steps, built in the 1720s, are a popular tourist destination and have been the site of similar incidents in the past, though this particular case did not involve alcohol consumption (The Guardian).
Analysis
The claim that the man tested negative for alcohol is supported by multiple reliable sources, including major news outlets like ABC News and The Guardian. Both sources report the police's statement regarding the alcohol test results, which adds credibility to the claim.
However, it is important to note that there have been previous incidents involving intoxicated drivers on the Spanish Steps, as highlighted by Wanted in Rome, which reported a separate case of a driver exceeding the legal alcohol limit. This context may lead to confusion regarding the specifics of this incident, but it does not detract from the accuracy of the current claim.
The sources used in this fact-check are credible and well-established news organizations, which typically adhere to journalistic standards. Therefore, the information provided regarding the man's sobriety is reliable.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the 80-year-old man tested negative for alcohol after driving down the Spanish Steps is accurate, as confirmed by multiple reputable sources. The police's statement regarding the alcohol test results has been consistently reported, reinforcing the validity of this claim.
Sources
- An 80-year-old drives a luxury Mercedes sedan down Rome's Spanish Steps ...
- Man, 80, gets stuck trying to drive down the Spanish Steps ...
- Drunk motorist drove down Rome's Spanish Steps
- An 80-year-old drives a luxury Mercedes down Rome's ...
- Man drives down Spanish steps - Italy Magazine
- Man, 80, gets stuck while driving luxury Mercedes car down Rome’s Spanish Steps
- Drunk man descends Spanish Steps — in car - NBC News
- Elderly Man Gets Stuck While Trying to Drive Down Rome's ...
