A traffic incident in Sofia has ignited widespread debate after a 19-year-old driver crashed a high-powered Mercedes C 63 AMG S PERFORMANCE into a pole late Tuesday night.
The young man, identified as Nidal Mohammad, is the son of a prominent orthopedist and traumatologist in the city. The crash occurred near the former Arena Zapad cinema, a location known for steady nighttime traffic and pedestrian activity.
Witnesses said the vehicle, a tuned Mercedes boasting an estimated 700 horsepower, lost control and veered sharply before crashing into a pole.
Photos circulating online show the luxury sedan with a completely destroyed front end, crumpled bodywork, and deployed airbags. Despite the severity of the impact, no injuries were reported.
The incident quickly went viral across Bulgarian social media platforms, with many stunned that such a young driver was behind the wheel of an extreme-performance vehicle. In one large Facebook group, the discussion generated nearly a thousand comments in just a few hours, reflecting the intensity of public reaction.
Users expressed disbelief at the car’s power, noting that even highly experienced drivers struggle to manage vehicles of this magnitude.
Several comments mocked the situation, joking that the rims might still be salvageable, while others described the crash as “inevitable” given the combination of youth and excessive horsepower.
However, many reactions were far more serious, with users emphasizing the danger such powerful vehicles pose when driven by inexperienced individuals.
Commenters stressed that the crash could easily have been fatal had a pedestrian or cyclist been nearby at the time of impact. “Cars like this require skill, discipline, and maturity—none of which most 19-year-olds have,” one user wrote.
The father’s professional standing added another layer of public interest. Dr. Mohammad, who previously worked at University Hospital “Tsaritsa Joanna” and now practices in a private hospital, is widely respected in medical circles.
His son’s involvement in the crash sparked discussions about privileged youth and access to costly, high-performance cars.
Many questioned how a teenager obtained and operated such a vehicle, raising broader concerns about parental responsibility, wealth dynamics, and the culture of prestige cars among young Bulgarians.
Some suggested that incidents like this reflect a growing trend of reckless driving tied to social media influence and the desire to showcase luxury lifestyles online.
The debate also touched on perceptions of German car quality, with some users defending the Mercedes brand for its structural durability.
Despite the catastrophic damage, some pointed out that the intact passenger cabin likely prevented serious injury. Others argued that relying on engineering strength alone is not enough to compensate for dangerous driving behavior.
Authorities have not released official details about the cause of the accident, but early indications suggest that speed and loss of control played a major role.
No alcohol test results have been disclosed, and police say an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.
Road safety experts say incidents like this underscore the need for stricter regulations on young drivers handling high-power cars. While Bulgaria’s licensing system sets age limits, there are no specific restrictions on vehicle horsepower for new drivers.
Countries such as the UK and Australia impose horsepower caps or graduated licensing systems to prevent young motorists from operating vehicles above certain performance thresholds.
“These cars accelerate faster than many supercars,” said a local driving instructor.
“Putting that power in the hands of someone with limited driving experience is a recipe for disaster.”
The Sofia community continues to discuss the incident, with many hoping it will serve as a cautionary tale rather than a precursor to future tragedies.
While the crash caused significant material damage, the broader reaction reflects public anxieties surrounding youth, responsibility, and the growing visibility of high-performance cars in urban traffic.
As the investigation continues, Bulgarians are left grappling with the balance between personal freedom and public safety—and whether lessons from this incident will lead to meaningful change on the streets of Sofia.