The Bugatti Veyron is the fastest and most expensive production car on earth, but apparently, it’s no match for pelicans.
On Nov. 11, 34-year-old Andy House of Lufkin, Texas, was driving a million-dollar 2006 Bugatti Veyron EB, one of 15 in the U.S., alongside a lake when he says a low-flying pelican startled him and caused him to lose control of the luxury car, the Houston Chronicle reported.
House told police that his cell phone slipped from the center console and fell to the floor, and he reached down to grab it. Upon sitting up, House says he saw a pelican flying alongside his car. Police say that the Bugatti’s right tire then hit the shoulder, causing House to lose control and drive it into 3 feet of water, ending up about 20 feet from the road. The car is believed to be totaled, according to the newspaper.
Wrecker driver Gilbert Harrison, who towed the Bugatti, told the Chronicle that House was very calm after the accident.
“if it had been me, I’d have been cursing, but he was calm,” he said. “I imagine inside he was probably pretty upset.”
The newspaper noted that crabs could be seen crawling around on the tow truck after the car was loaded.
House reportedly purchased the car in October from an Arkansas dealership that had it listed for sale for $1.25 million. The dealership told the Chronicle that the vehicle has 1,001 horsepower and can reach 253 mph.
More information:
• Read the Houston Chronicle’s story
• STRANGE BUT TRUE: Callused Hands Save Body Shop Owner in Alligator Attack
• Managing Editor Hannah Schiffman recounts the story of another rare car taken out by a distracted driver: Giving Life to a Deathtrap
