Rolls-Royce Ghost Collides with Camel in Saudi Arabia
A 2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost was badly damaged after striking a camel at speed near Dammam, highlighting the risks luxury car owners face on Saudi roads.
A 2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost was involved in a high-speed collision with a camel near Dammam, Saudi Arabia in April 2012. The crash left the luxury saloon with extensive front-end damage, with images circulating online showing the bonnet, grille and windscreen area severely impacted.
The circumstances suggest the Ghost was travelling at considerable speed when the camel entered the road. Such incidents are not uncommon in the region, where livestock can stray onto highways, posing a hazard even to the most advanced vehicles. The Rolls-Royce Ghost, introduced in 2009 as a smaller sibling to the Phantom, features advanced safety systems and a rigid body structure, but a collision with a large animal remains a severe test for any car.
Damage to the vehicle
Photographs from the scene show the Ghost’s front end crumpled, with the Spirit of Ecstasy and grille area destroyed. The windscreen also appears shattered, indicating the force of the impact. The extent of the damage suggests the vehicle will require major repairs, if not a complete write-off, depending on the insurance assessment and owner’s preference.
Risks for luxury car owners in the Gulf
Saudi Arabia’s highways are known for their high speeds and the presence of stray livestock, particularly camels, which are large enough to cause catastrophic damage to any vehicle. Owners of luxury cars such as the Rolls-Royce Ghost face the same risks as other drivers, despite the high level of engineering and safety features. The cost of repairs to a car of this calibre can easily run into tens of thousands of pounds, and such incidents often highlight the importance of comprehensive insurance coverage in the region.
No official statement was issued regarding injuries to the driver or the fate of the camel. Accidents involving camels are frequently fatal for the animals and can cause serious harm to occupants, depending on the speed and point of impact.
The 2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost in context
The Ghost sits below the Phantom in the Rolls-Royce range, offering V12 power and a reputation for refinement. While it is engineered for comfort and safety, the incident in Dammam demonstrates that even the most robust luxury saloons are vulnerable to hazards on public roads. For more on the Ghost’s development and its place in Rolls-Royce’s modern line-up, see The Ghost: The Best Rolls Ever Produced.
