Police in western Germany say a novice driver escaped unharmed but her car was crushed after she inadvertently turned into the path of a convoy of British tanks. Lippe police spokesman Lars Risserbusch said today the 18-year-old had apparently not seen the convoy when she made a left turn in front of it. The first tank was unable to stop in time and the 62-ton main battle tank plowed over the front of her Toyota hatchback.
The tanks, from a British base in nearby Paderborn, were traveling through a military maneuver area that is also open to public traffic on their way to training exercises yesterday morning. Police estimate $13,500 damage to the woman's car. The tank was unscathed. (More Germany stories.)