C7 Corvette Gets Pinned Under 18-Wheeler in Horrific Crash
Despite the grim photos, no major injuries were reported as a result of this collision between the Corvette and 18-wheeler.
Thankfully for the occupants of this C7 Corvette, the car is as strong as it is fast. We doubt that the GM engineers ever tested the car by placing an 18-wheeler in its roof. But it turns out that even in that extreme scenario the Corvette can keep the occupants safe. A crash last week in Louisiana resulted in a C7 Corvette getting lodged underneath of the cab of an 18-wheeler. A Chevy Tahoe belonging to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office was also involved in the crash. The pictures paint a bleak scene, but amazingly no major injuries were reported, police said.
The crash happened on I-49 N in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana on the morning of October 5. The cause of the crash is not known at this time. But we do know the result. And that is a Laguna Blue C7 Corvette pinned under the cab of an 18-wheeler. These trucks can weigh over 20,000 pounds not counting the trailer or cargo. The Corvette was obviously destroyed but everyone was able to walk away.
Crash Scene
The force of the impact lifted the truck and trailer up in the air and caused the cargo to spill out on the highway. The cleanup crew and first responders remained on the scene through the morning to clear and reopen the road. It is incredible to see the weight of this truck being supported by the Corvette. It had to be a terrifying moment for the driver of that Corvette to see this massive truck roll right on top of the car. However, it does goes to show that GM built one tough sports car.
Crash Testing
Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has ever crash tested the C7 Corvette. Those organizations typically don’t test low volume cars like the Corvette. But every new vehicle sold in the U.S. since 1968 must meet a set of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). None of those standards include parking an 18-wheeler on the roof. But if such a standard did exist, the Corvette in this crash would pass with flying colors. For anyone concerned about the crashworthiness of your Corvette, this crash should put your mind at ease.
C7 Corvette
The C7 Corvette is of course the last of the front engine Corvettes. We hate to see one destroyed like this. But it is a testament to the safety of these cars that we can talk about something as mundane as a car when looking at a crash scene like this. Hopefully the owner of this car can quickly find another Corvette to buy and enjoy.
Images: Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office
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