People rushed out of the way in shock this afternoon as a car climbed the popular promenade at Għar id-Dud in Sliema, apparently because of brake failure.

The accident happened at about 4.20pm and involved a white VW Beetle.

Two benches were damaged as the car crashed across the promenade, coming to rest along the railings.

An ambulance was called to the scene. A 19-year-old Belgian tourist who had been sitting on one of the benches was taken to hospital suffering shock but was otherwise unhurt. An 81-old-Dutchman was also sitting on the bench but he was unhurt.

The car was driven by a 26-year-old man from Attard, who was also unhurt.

A person on the scene said the accident happened opposite the Preluna Hotel. The old car had been driven downhill from Triq Għar id-Dud towards Tower Road when it apparently had a brake failure, crossing the road onto the promenade.

"He tried to avoid some people and crashed into the pavement, luckily no one got hurt," he said.

Another witness said: "I was sitting with the baby on a bench when suddenly, accompanied by a loud bang, I see a car flying from the road onto the promenade right through two sets of benches! It all happened 30 metres away to us! I am so grateful we are safe and that no one got seriously hit. What a shock."

He said the car was going at some speed and was only stopped by the railing, after it crashed through the advertising signs next to the road.

Picture Timmy Cutugno

Picture - Timmy Cutugno

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