A true Christmas miracle unfolded on a chilly morning in Slovakia, where a Saab 9-3 Sportcombi became the unwitting hero in a terrifying ordeal. A family of three—father, son, and daughter—narrowly escaped tragedy after their car slipped on black ice, hurtled off a bridge, and plummeted nearly 30 feet into the frigid waters of the Hron River.
The incident took place on a local road coated in a slick sheet of ice – “black ice“. The 43-year-old driver, attempting to navigate the treacherous surface, lost control, and despite his efforts to correct the vehicle’s path, it collided with the bridge railing and broke through. In a heart-stopping moment, the Saab plunged over the edge, landing upside down in the river below.
Thankfully, this river section was shallow, cushioning the car’s impact. Rescuers arrived swiftly, astonished to find the father and his two children—an 11-year-old daughter and a 13-year-old son—shaken but miraculously unharmed. It was a testament to the Saab’s legendary reputation for safety, built on a design philosophy that prioritizes resilience and protection.
The police later commented on the driver’s attempt to regain control as he encountered the deceptive black ice, a challenge for even the most experienced motorists. Against all odds, the family emerged unscathed, a profound reminder of Saab’s legacy in engineering robust vehicles that do more than transport; they safeguard lives.
This incredible escape story echoes the experiences of Saab owners worldwide who trust their cars not just for performance but for their renowned structural integrity. Many enthusiasts speak of their Saab vehicles with reverence, knowing they possess a unique combination of endurance and intelligent design that, as demonstrated once again, can make all the difference when fate turns perilous.
The SAAB is a sturdy, safety-designed car. Proof of its sturdiness can be obtained from any SAAB owner and some evidence of its safety design features can be found in a multitude of different examples.
Merci Laurent de rappeler ce que plusieurs d’entre nous doivent à la conception de nos Saabs.
Il y a 21 ans, après un court coma quand j’ai revu ma 9.3 0G, au vu de la configuration de la déformation de la voiture et de la résistance des tirants de porte, j’ai vite compris pourquoi j’étais encore là.