Dramatic footage captures terrifying moment driver's 4WD stunt goes horribly wrong
The vehicle was seen flipping and rolling down the steep hill. What happened next stunned onlookers.
A dramatic video has captured the terrifying moment a driver was flung from his 4WD as it hurtles down a steep, rocky hill. Two SUVs are seen navigating the risky slopes when one suddenly flips, sending the driver metres into the air after being catapulted through the sunroof.
The driver believed to be a man, lands on top of the vehicle before being flung back into the air as the vehicle continues to roll down the hill, flipping and turning as it descends. The man then plummeted back down to the ground.
In the video, shocked onlookers are seen rushing to his aid as he lies curled up in a ball in a plume of dust. Astonishingly, according to one commentator, he avoided injuries but was taken to hospital and checked over as a precaution.
It's understood the group were participating in the dangerous "Yunnan Hundred Cars Battle" Kumming, China when the incident happened this week. According to reports, local police are now investigating the vehicle for possible illegal modifications.
The driver didn't appear to be wearing a seatbelt, which reportedly goes against competition rules.
Aussies warned against risky 4WD behaviour
The incident follows a warning issued to Aussies this week against attempting risky behaviour on 4WD tracks and beaches across the country. With school holidays starting, more people will likely head out on off-road adventures, but with that comes a surge in rescues.
Rick Williams, who owns a towing service at the popular Bribie Island, told Yahoo News Australia he's is frequently called out to help travellers out of sticky situations. OIften it comes down to "inexperience" he said.
One driver attempting a risky night-time river crossing in WA recently required rescuing after his vehicle became partially submerged in water. "He's very lucky that he walked away," rescuer Kayla White said.
4WD beach scene exposes common mistake visitors make 'every time'
4WD couple's warning after '500km mistake' on remote Aussie road
It's a common mistake many drivers make when attempting to navigate through water with "inexperienced" drivers regularly the ones in need of help. However, more experienced outdoor enthusiasts taking risks when navigating outdoor trails and beaches across the country is also leading to mishaps.
Social media is increasingly filled with people sharing their off-road adventures. A viral social media video last month shows one man taking on the country's 'toughest 4WD track' — the infamous Gunshot Creek crossing on the Old Telegraph Track in Cape York — where incidents are common due to its challenging nature.
with Jam Press
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