MG Motor India Astor mid-sized SUV crashes into a under construction highway bridge: Occupants safe [Video]

Road connectivity and infrastructure in India have been improving significantly. The country now boasts several highways and expressways, resulting in reduced travel times. Notably, both the construction of new expressways and the updates to existing highways have contributed to this progress. Widening lanes and constructing overbridges at various locations have been undertaken to alleviate congestion. However, it remains an ongoing process, and some of these highways still pose risks for driving, especially after dark. One common issue is the lack of clear signs to inform road users about ongoing construction work.

Recently, a concerning incident occurred on one of these highways. A video captured an MG Astor crashing into a bridge that was still under construction. The video was shared on Nikhil Rana’s YouTube channel and was actually posted by the person involved in the accident. According to the video, the accident took place on June 19, 2023, when Mr. Dheeraj was driving from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Mr. Dheeraj, who frequently traveled for work by road, was driving his MG Astor SUV when he reached the vicinity of Katni bypass, Madhya Pradesh, and encountered a flyover.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

Due to the slope of the flyover, Mr. Dheeraj couldn’t see the other side clearly, and unfortunately, there was no signboard indicating a diversion. Consequently, as he approached the bridge, he realized that construction work was still in progress. Despite attempting to slow down or stop, the speed at which he was driving left him with insufficient time to respond, resulting in the MG Astor crashing into the unfinished concrete portion of the bridge.

Fortunately, Mr. Dheeraj was wearing his seatbelt, and the airbags deployed in time, preventing more severe injuries. Luckily, he only sustained a broken rib, and apart from that, he was relatively unharmed. The MG Astor demonstrated its sturdy build quality, withstanding the impact of the crash. However, the front-end of the SUV suffered extensive damage, including the grille, bonnet, engine bay, and bumper. Moreover, the chrome garnishes around the wheel arch claddings were dislodged upon impact.

Despite the substantial damage to the front of the vehicle, the cabin’s pillars remained intact, protecting the driver. Nevertheless, there are concerns about potential damage to the engine, as images show coolant and other oils spilled beneath the car. The MG Astor has two petrol engines on offer – a 1.3L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, and a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine. The 1.3L engine produces 138.08 BHP and 220 Nm of torque, while the 1.5L engine produces 108.49 BHP and 144 Nm of torque. The engines are mated to either a 5-speed manual gearbox, an 8-step CVT automatic, or a 6-speed torque convertor auto.

This incident highlights the importance of considering the build quality when purchasing vehicles, a factor that more and more buyers have started to prioritize. Manufacturers are responding to this demand by striving to produce affordable yet robust vehicles. The MG Astor, a mid-size SUV competing with models like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, demonstrated its resilience, reassuring potential buyers about its safety features.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered

Road connectivity and infrastructure in India have been improving significantly. The country now boasts several highways and expressways, resulting in reduced travel times. Notably, both the construction of new expressways and the updates to existing highways have contributed to this progress. Widening lanes and constructing overbridges at various locations have been undertaken to alleviate congestion. However, it remains an ongoing process, and some of these highways still pose risks for driving, especially after dark. One common issue is the lack of clear signs to inform road users about ongoing construction work.

Recently, a concerning incident occurred on one of these highways. A video captured an MG Astor crashing into a bridge that was still under construction. The video was shared on Nikhil Rana’s YouTube channel and was actually posted by the person involved in the accident. According to the video, the accident took place on June 19, 2023, when Mr. Dheeraj was driving from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Mr. Dheeraj, who frequently traveled for work by road, was driving his MG Astor SUV when he reached the vicinity of Katni bypass, Madhya Pradesh, and encountered a flyover.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

Due to the slope of the flyover, Mr. Dheeraj couldn’t see the other side clearly, and unfortunately, there was no signboard indicating a diversion. Consequently, as he approached the bridge, he realized that construction work was still in progress. Despite attempting to slow down or stop, the speed at which he was driving left him with insufficient time to respond, resulting in the MG Astor crashing into the unfinished concrete portion of the bridge.

Fortunately, Mr. Dheeraj was wearing his seatbelt, and the airbags deployed in time, preventing more severe injuries. Luckily, he only sustained a broken rib, and apart from that, he was relatively unharmed. The MG Astor demonstrated its sturdy build quality, withstanding the impact of the crash. However, the front-end of the SUV suffered extensive damage, including the grille, bonnet, engine bay, and bumper. Moreover, the chrome garnishes around the wheel arch claddings were dislodged upon impact.

Despite the substantial damage to the front of the vehicle, the cabin’s pillars remained intact, protecting the driver. Nevertheless, there are concerns about potential damage to the engine, as images show coolant and other oils spilled beneath the car. The MG Astor has two petrol engines on offer – a 1.3L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, and a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine. The 1.3L engine produces 138.08 BHP and 220 Nm of torque, while the 1.5L engine produces 108.49 BHP and 144 Nm of torque. The engines are mated to either a 5-speed manual gearbox, an 8-step CVT automatic, or a 6-speed torque convertor auto.

This incident highlights the importance of considering the build quality when purchasing vehicles, a factor that more and more buyers have started to prioritize. Manufacturers are responding to this demand by striving to produce affordable yet robust vehicles. The MG Astor, a mid-size SUV competing with models like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, demonstrated its resilience, reassuring potential buyers about its safety features.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered