Guernsey Pensioner had time for Smart exit

Michael Le Lacheur, right, as the remains of his pride and joy were taken away. (Picture by Aimee Le Cocq, 0902945)

A PENSIONER had a lucky escape when his Smart Car caught fire yesterday morning.
Michael Le Lacheur, 69, was driving along Route des Domaines, St Saviour’s, when he looked in his wing mirror and saw flames coming from the back of his car.
‘I got out and ran up the road as I had a full tank of fuel,’ said the retired States worker. ‘I loved my little car. I have no idea how it happened. It just went up in flames.’
The vehicle, which was about seven or eight years old, was barely recognisable and the blaze had spread to the roadside hedge.
The Fire and Rescue Service and police attended. The blaze was out within half an hour.
A Mercedes-Benz spokesman said: ‘This is a highly unusual case and it would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of this incident. The Smart range of vehicles is one of the safest in its segment. Indeed, the Smart is built to the same stringent and exacting standards as the rest of the Mercedes-Benz family.’ (from thisisguernsey)

mmm not the only Smart car to go up in smoke...

That's what i have heard also , i have never liked them why would anyone buy a motorbike that you can't get your legs around ??......

For economy's sake I guess - my daughter loves hers and she is 5'11'' and has no problem

Good riddance to all smart cars, I wish they would all go up in smoke along with the individuals who abandon, sorry park them so I cant open the back doors of my van.

Bit drastic getting rid of people because they cannot afford a huge 'gas guzzler' - my daughter lives in France - so she's not guilty of getting in your way - does that mean her Smart Car and her life are exempt from you proposed cull

Cockney

Did you used to be a character in Viz?

cockney wrote:Good riddance to all smart cars, I wish they would all go up in smoke along with the individuals who abandon, sorry park them so I cant open the back doors of my van.

I think it is cute that they park nose to the curb between cars when the parked cars leave a big gap so they can just drive out. Cockney is it only Smart cars that park close to your van doors or are you just picking on that particular car.

Its only smart cars that do this as they think they can park anywhere.

It would appear that not only do they think they can park anywhere, they have the ability to park anywhere (well almost).

And a mind of their own - clever! no wonder they are called SMART cars!!!!!!

he sound more naffed off cos he had just filled his tank up!

never did think they looked very safe.yes they are economical on petrol but what chance would you have in a pile up.

.............about the same chance as in a 2CV or an old style Beetle - or a Mini come to that!!!