A 51-year-old Mercedes 280 slipped into the River IJzer in Stavele (Alveringem – West Flanders) last weekend. A gathering of vintage car enthusiasts was taking place in the car park of eatery ‘t Hof van Commerce. The car owner had probably forgotten to use the handbrake. Four fire brigade divers were able to help tow the car out of the water. It is not yet clear what damage the old-timer suffered in the incident.
Merc old-timer rolls into River IJzer during meeting: ‘Hopefully it can be repaired’
Colin Clapson
Published:
Just before noon, a lot of old-timer enthusiasts, from all corners of West Flanders had gathered at eatery ‘t Hof van Commerce. ‘A man from Zeebrugge probably forgot to put on the handbrake or had a technical issue,’ local police said.
‘The old-timer, a 1974 Mercedes 280, landed in the waters of the River IJzer.’ The car disappeared under water completely. Divers attached chains to the car underwater, after which the old-timer was hoisted to the surface.
After two hours, the car was back on dry land. The car first has to completely dry out before it can be inspected. ‘We hope the old-timer can be fully restored,’ a police officer told VRT.