Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., Safety, Videos, Hatchbacks, Audi
Video: Audi dealer lucky to be alive after being sandwiched by runaway rig, tour bus
A New Jersey Audi dealer is counting his blessings after a frightening crash left him with surprisingly minor injuries. The crash happened when an overloaded, bald-tired 18-wheeler careened into Bryan Pacelli's lane crushing his Audi TT against a barrier, just in time for a charter bus to sandwich him from behind. The whole incident was captured in dramatic fashion by a dash cam mounted on the trailing bus.
Pacelli, 39, is expected to make a full recovery, and credits the TT with saving his life. When asked about his next vehicle choice, he says he plans on buying a bigger car. May we suggest something in an S4, Bryan?
[Source: KATU]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tom Design 12:24PM (3/19/2006)
what a lucky dude! watch out for that blind spot on the semi's, is the lesson here. and in an audi TT you're so low and little it is even harder for them to see you on the right side. but the buss slamming into them, that's just too much to believe, what was that driver doing?
here's other wrecks people walked away from with the help of an angel!
http://www.wreckedexotics.com/
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KC 12:38PM (3/19/2006)
I don't think riding in the blind spot was the cause of the accident. That truck lost control and smashed the median (and the TT) - I don't think the truck was merely changing lanes!
Anyhow, I still can't understand how that guy survived. It looked like the passenger compartment was crushed so bad that even a cat would not have enough room to survive. Amazing!
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emulous1974 1:15PM (3/19/2006)
If it's true that the tractor trailer was out of registration, 16K lbs overloaded and riding on bald tires. I have a feeling that Audi Dealer is gonna be able to afford a coule new S8's for him and his wife. I smell a pretty big law suit.
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drolds1 1:48PM (3/19/2006)
Another carefully researched newspaper article. This accident occurred on the Long Island Expressway in NY, where I live. Not in New Jersey. The TT driver is the sales manager for an Audi dealer, not the dealer. The accident was caused by a failure of the truck's steering gear which caused its driver to lose control. Emulous is correct about the improper registration, overweight load and bald tires.
The Audi driver credits the TT's twin steel hoops behind the front seats with saving his life.
How many facts can you get you possibly get wrong in a short article like this?
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Grant B 2:37PM (3/19/2006)
I'm not so sure that's factually incorrect. But relax anyway.
I'd like to see the cabin before the jaws of life and see just how intact it was.
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iQuack 6:08PM (3/19/2006)
Whoever is responsible for putting that overloaded, worn tired, monster on the highway should be shot!
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Mike from Scarborough 8:23PM (3/19/2006)
Yup...German Cars save lives..My Freids brother rolled his 2004 Jetta 6 times all air bags went off.He walked away.
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Steve S 10:33PM (3/19/2006)
Well if he didn't have religion before I'm thinking he will now. Unbelievable! Glad he's alright, boys need their fathers.
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James Fabin 10:46PM (3/22/2006)
I saw this video on the news and hit record on my DVR - watched it several times, just amazing. This is a perfect example of buying a car that has high safety ratings and features - you never know what's going to happen.
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Bryan Pacelli 6:59PM (4/17/2006)
I am thankful for all your support - I am a but messed up, getting hit in the head by a bus won't do anyone much good, however, I am here. To the person wondering about the passenger compartmant - I have pictures and it is INTACT! I was hit by a tractor trailer, rear ended by a bus and the inside although showing signs it wanted to give was very impressive! Thank you all again. I appreciate the support. Bryan
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China Bus 4:09AM (4/26/2006)
Good topic about Audi, I love it. Classic one.
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