A 20-year-old British tourist has been arrested after allegedly stealing a Bolt hire car and crashing it outside the Costa del Sol Hospital in Marbella.
The bizarre incident unfolded shortly before 11pm on Saturday night when a VTC driver arrived in Puerto Banus to collect what appeared to be a routine fare.
According to reports, the young Brit soon began behaving erratically after getting into the black Ford Mondeo.
As the vehicle travelled towards its destination, the passenger reportedly started shouting and attempted to open the door and jump from the moving car.
Fearing for his safety, the driver locked the vehicle’s doors and diverted to the nearby Costa del Sol Hospital in a bid to get help.
When they arrived at the hospital entrance, the driver jumped out of the car and ran to seek assistance from security staff.
However, while he was distracted, the tourist allegedly climbed into the driver’s seat, started the engine and drove off.
His escape lasted only a matter of seconds.
The young man reportedly lost control of the vehicle almost immediately and mounted the central reservation separating the carriageways.
The impact was so severe that the car’s front left wheel was torn off, leaving the Ford stranded across the road.
Witnesses were left stunned by the scene as motorists passing through the area watched the crash unfold.
Hospital security staff, assisted by a nearby taxi driver, managed to detain the suspect until officers from the Policia Nacional arrived.
Local Police also attended to manage traffic and carry out alcohol and drug tests.
The Brit suffered a bleeding head injury in the crash and was taken into hospital for treatment.
Once treated, he was placed under police custody and arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft and road safety offences.
The investigation continues.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
