Young driver faces financial ruin after clipping Rolls-Royce

NANJING, China - A young man in Jiangsu, stands to face financial ruin after clipping a brand-new Rolls-Royce Phantom in the city of Nanjing, according to Chinese media reports.

The 21-year-old man surnamed Liu, works as a chef for 2,000 yuan (S$402) a month. But the cost of repairs, according to reports, may come up to $1 million yuan.

The accident took place on Feb 14, near Lukou International Airport.

Liu was going in the opposite direction in a Chinese-made saloon when he clipped a Rolls-Royce Phantom that was parked at the bend of a road, reports said. The $12 million yuan limousine was being used as an airport shuttle for corporate VIPs.

After the accident, Liu immediately called his family. But to his dismay he found that even if they sell everything they own, including their house, they would still be unable to compensate for the Phantom's repairs.

Moreover Liu's insurance company will not be paying out the damages as he took full responsibility for the accident, leaving Liu to foot most of the million-yuan bill.

However the 21-year-old is currently pleading his case to the chief executives of the company that owns the Phantom in the hope that they will symphathise with his plight.

The accident has caused waves in the Chines media. Netizens have used the case as another example of the increasing divide between the rich and the poor in the country.

Another question has also been brought up: is a new insurance mechanism for luxury cars needed to protect common car owners from paying exorbitant amounts as in the case of Liu?

Cost of repairs may come up to $1m yuanClick on thumbnail to view. (Photos: Photos: Weibo)

Info : News