In a first for Bangladesh, a Rolls-Royce Spectre, one of the world’s most expensive luxury cars valued at approximately Tk 15 crore (around $1.25 million), was involved in a devastating accident on the Purbachal Expressway in Dhaka on Saturday, July 19, at around 2:30pm.
The high-speed collision with a road island left the vehicle severely damaged and four occupants injured, marking what is believed to be the country’s costliest road accident to date.
The car, owned by Abdur Sabur, chairman of the Masko Group, was traveling at high speed when it veered off course and crashed into a concrete island, according to Rupganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Tariqul Islam.
The car had no registration number attached instead carried a sign ‘AFR’ (applied for registration).
Tariqul confirmed journalists that the front of the electric luxury coupe was “completely destroyed,” rendering the vehicle a near-total loss. The car’s advanced airbag system was credited with saving the lives of the four passengers, including the driver.
Among the injured was Sabur’s son, who sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Ever Care Hospital in Dhaka for treatment. The other three occupants suffered minor to moderate injuries and are also receiving medical care. Their identities have not been disclosed, pending family notification.
The accident occurred on the Purbachal Expressway, a key arterial route in Dhaka. Eyewitnesses reported that the Spectre, known for its 577-horsepower electric powertrain and rapid acceleration, was traveling at an estimated speed well above the expressway’s limit before losing control. The impact with the island caused catastrophic damage to the vehicle’s chassis and front end, leaving debris scattered across the road.
Rupganj Police Station recovered the wreckage and towed it to their premises for further investigation. Officer-in-Charge Islam noted, “The car was moving at high speed, which likely contributed to the severity of the crash. We are investigating the circumstances, including potential factors like road conditions or driver error.” No official statement has been made regarding legal action or charges at this stage.
Social media buzz
The crash sparked a flurry of activity on social media, with users describing it as “Bangladesh’s most expensive car accident.” One post by BD CarZz highlighted the Spectre’s staggering value and shared images of the mangled vehicle and called for prayers for the injured. The posts underscored the rarity of such a high-profile accident involving a luxury car in Bangladesh, amplifying public curiosity and concern.
The Rolls-Royce Spectre, launched in 2023 as the brand’s first all-electric model, is a symbol of opulence, with a starting price exceeding $420,000 globally. In Bangladesh, import duties inflate its cost significantly, making it a rare sight on local roads.