A well-maintained Nissan 300ZX sustained significant damage after being pinned under a Nissan Rogue at a car wash in Joplin, Missouri, on Tuesday. Photos from the scene show the sports car acting as an unintentional ramp for the SUV, with the Rogue’s wheels resting on the 300ZX’s windshield.
The Incident Details
The incident occurred at the Zips Car Wash on South Range Line Road. According to local news reports, no injuries were reported, as the collision took place at low speed within the wash tunnel. The Rogue appears undamaged, while the 300ZX suffered front-end compression, including visible damage to its suspension. Emergency crews responded to the scene, and a tow truck was required to separate the vehicles. Both cars were driven away despite the damage.
Possible Causes
The exact sequence of events remains unclear, but two scenarios are plausible. One is that the Rogue’s driver may have accidentally left the vehicle in park or braked at the end of the tunnel, allowing the conveyor belt to push it into the 300ZX. Alternatively, the SUV might have been unintentionally shifted into reverse, causing it to climb onto the hood of the sports car.
Why This Matters
This unusual incident highlights the potential risks of automated car washes, particularly for low-slung vehicles like the 300ZX. The incident serves as a reminder that even routine tasks can go wrong in unexpected ways. Insurance adjusters will likely face a complex claim, as determining liability will be crucial in resolving the damage.
This collision demonstrates that even in controlled environments, mechanical failures or driver errors can lead to bizarre and costly accidents. The 300ZX, a survivor of the 1990s, was not spared from the whims of modern automation.
