In a spectacular festive fail, a driver has been forced to pay for destroying his town's main Christmas tree after a reckless early-hours joyride went disastrously wrong.
The 3am 'Grand Prix' That Ended in Disaster
The incident occurred in the town of Saryagash, Kazakhstan, in the early hours of the morning. The driver of a VAZ-2105 Lada car decided to use the deserted town centre as his personal racetrack, performing high-speed circles around the 40-foot decorated Christmas tree erected in the central square.
Local police stated that at around 3 a.m., they received a report that an unknown motorist had crashed into the festive centrepiece and then fled the scene. CCTV footage from the area was reviewed, which clearly captured the moment the driver's stunt spiralled out of control.
"While trying to drive around the tree, he lost control and hit it," explained police in an official statement. The impact caused the towering tree to collapse instantly, lying flat on the ground in a scene described as a nightmare before Christmas.
A Borat-Style Blunder and Swift Justice
In a move reminiscent of the hapless fictional reporter Borat – a character from Kazakhstan created by comedian Sacha Baron Cohen – the driver attempted to avoid responsibility by speeding away from the scene of the festive destruction.
However, his escape was short-lived. Officers quickly identified the young driver from the CCTV evidence. He was subsequently tracked down and faced the consequences of his actions.
The police confirmed that the driver was made to personally repair the damaged tree and cover all associated costs. Furthermore, his vehicle was impounded and he received a financial fine. Authorities also secured a promise from the individual not to commit similar offences in the future.
Not the Only Festive Season Disruption
This bizarre incident is not the only unusual case authorities have dealt with this festive period. The news comes after a separate, shocking video from November showed two Santas brawling in the fruit and vegetable aisle of a supermarket in Baku, Azerbaijan.
That clash, allegedly over a territorial dispute for spreading Christmas cheer to children, saw festive decorations and produce sent flying before security intervened. Both individuals were later questioned by police.
Back in Saryagash, the repaired Christmas tree now stands once more, thanks to the driver's enforced restitution, serving as a stark reminder that reckless behaviour, especially during the holidays, comes with a price.
