In the early hours of November 20th, a severe collision occurred in Bai Chay (Quang Ninh) when a Mercedes-Maybach S600 lost control and crashed into a parked passenger bus on the roadside.
Security camera footage reveals the Maybach traveling at high speed before suddenly veering into oncoming traffic and colliding head-on with the parked bus. The impact severely damaged the left side of the Maybach, causing the rear door to detach from its hinges and shattering the rear window.
According to the Traffic Police Team No. 2 (Quang Ninh), the two occupants of the Maybach sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving intensive treatment at the hospital. One of them remains in critical condition.
Upon arrival at the scene, authorities found the rear passenger unconscious and not wearing a seatbelt.
The Maybach S600 involved in the accident was equipped with Mercedes’ premium beltbag system for the rear seats. The beltbag, developed from the 2009 ESF research program and introduced in the 2013 S-Class, inflates like an airbag during a collision.
Upon impact, the compressed gas system expands the seatbelt significantly, increasing its surface area to distribute force and reduce the risk of chest, heart, and lung injuries, as well as rib fractures. This feature is particularly beneficial for elderly passengers or those with fragile bones.
Built on the S-Class platform, the Maybach S600 is renowned for its world-class safety standards. It features a robust structure, optimized crash absorption zones, the proactive PRE-SAFE system, and 10 to 12 airbags (depending on the market), including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags.
All officially distributed Maybach S600 models in Vietnam come equipped with the beltbag system for rear passengers. However, these safety features are only effective when occupants wear their seatbelts.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that seatbelts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 44% for rear-seat passengers in cars and by 73% in SUVs or minivans. Failing to buckle up increases the likelihood of passengers being ejected from their seats, colliding with doors, pillars, or the front seats, and even penetrating the roof.
Conversely, wearing a seatbelt ensures passengers remain in their designated positions, allowing the vehicle’s safety systems to function optimally.
In the Quang Ninh crash, the impact on the driver’s side of the Maybach was substantial. Despite its luxurious sedan status and top-tier safety features, the vehicle struggled to provide absolute protection for the unbelted rear passenger.
Although the 2024 Road Traffic Order and Safety Law mandates seatbelt use for all occupants, many rear passengers still disregard this regulation.
