Brand-New Mahindra Thar Crashes Through Delhi Showroom Glass Wall Minutes After Purchase
In a dramatic and startling incident that has taken social media by storm, a brand-new Mahindra Thar Roxx crashed through the glass wall of a showroom in East Delhi’s Nirman Vihar on September 8, 2025, mere minutes after its purchase. The accident, which occurred during a traditional lemon-crushing ritual, saw the SUV plummet 15 feet from the first-floor showroom onto the pavement below, leaving onlookers stunned and the vehicle overturned. Miraculously, no serious injuries were reported, but the incident has sparked discussions about showroom safety and the power of modern SUVs. Here’s a detailed look at what happened, the aftermath, and the lessons to be learned.
The Incident: A Ritual Gone Wrong
On Monday evening, around 5 PM, Pradeep and his 29-year-old wife, Maani Pawar, residents of Indirapuram in Ghaziabad, visited the Shiva Auto Car Mahindra showroom in Nirman Vihar to take delivery of their gleaming new Mahindra Thar Roxx, valued at approximately ₹27 lakh. Accompanied by a showroom salesman named Vikas, who was explaining the vehicle’s features, the couple was preparing to perform a traditional puja ritual, a common practice in India to bless new vehicles for good luck. The ritual involved Maani driving the Thar’s wheel over a lemon placed under the tire, symbolizing prosperity and protection.
However, what was meant to be a gentle nudge turned catastrophic. While seated in the driver’s seat, Maani Pawar accidentally pressed the accelerator too forcefully, causing the powerful SUV to lurch forward. The Thar smashed through the showroom’s first-floor glass wall, broke the balcony railing, and plunged onto the road below, flipping onto its roof. A nearby motorcycle was damaged in the fall, but fortunately, no pedestrians were harmed. The vehicle’s airbags deployed instantly, protecting Maani, Pradeep, and Vikas, who sustained only minor injuries.
The Aftermath: Viral Videos and Public Reaction
The incident was captured in a viral video that spread rapidly across social media platforms, showing the overturned Thar on the pavement beneath the shattered glass facade of the showroom. Crowds gathered around the site, with onlookers filming the wreckage and expressing shock at the surreal scene. One X post by @CitizenMattersX described it as “SHOCKING 🚨,” noting the irony of a celebratory ritual turning into a “disaster.” Another user praised the Thar’s safety features, writing, “The SUV flew off the first floor, and the woman walked out with a few scratches. Wow!”
The couple and the salesman were rushed to Malik Hospital in Nirman Vihar for precautionary treatment and were discharged after first aid. Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Abhishek Dhania confirmed that no serious injuries occurred and that neither the family nor the showroom filed a complaint. The Thar, however, suffered significant damage, including a broken rear window and dents, while the showroom’s glass wall was left in ruins.
Why Did It Happen? Examining the Causes
The accident appears to stem from a combination of human error and the Thar’s powerful mechanics. The Mahindra Thar Roxx, a high-end off-road SUV, boasts a robust engine capable of rapid acceleration, which may have caught Maani Pawar off guard during the ritual. The showroom’s first-floor setup, designed for display and delivery, lacked sufficient barriers to prevent such an incident, raising questions about safety protocols. The lemon-crushing ritual, while culturally significant, requires precise control, and the absence of clear guidance from the showroom staff may have contributed to the mishap.
Social media reactions have been mixed. Some users expressed sympathy, noting that such rituals are common and the error was unintentional. Others criticized the lack of training or oversight, with one X post stating, “Showrooms need better safety measures for these ceremonies. A ₹27 lakh SUV isn’t a toy!” A few comments took a gendered jab at Maani’s driving, prompting backlash for perpetuating stereotypes about women drivers.
The Bigger Picture: Showroom Safety and SUV Power
This incident has spotlighted the need for enhanced safety measures in car showrooms, particularly those with elevated display areas. Many showrooms in India, like the one in Nirman Vihar, place vehicles on upper floors for aesthetic appeal, but the lack of robust barriers or clear protocols for test drives and rituals can lead to accidents. Experts suggest that showrooms should implement:
- Stronger Barriers: Reinforced railings or bollards to prevent vehicles from crashing through walls.
- Staff Training: Ensuring salespeople guide customers clearly during rituals or test drives.
- Controlled Environments: Designated areas for rituals that minimize risks of unintended acceleration.
The Mahindra Thar’s popularity, driven by its rugged appeal and powerful performance, also underscores the need for drivers to familiarize themselves with high-performance vehicles. The Roxx model’s quick response may overwhelm inexperienced drivers, especially in confined spaces like a showroom.
Mahindra’s Response and the Thar’s Resilience
Mahindra & Mahindra has not issued an official statement on the incident, but the event has inadvertently highlighted the Thar Roxx’s safety features. Despite flipping over and falling 15 feet, the vehicle’s airbags and structural integrity protected its occupants, earning praise on social media. One X user noted, “If it can be spun right, this could be a good PR piece for the Thar’s safety.” The company may replace the damaged vehicle under warranty or insurance, though no official confirmation has been reported.
Lessons Learned: Moving Forward
The Nirman Vihar crash serves as a wake-up call for both car buyers and dealerships. For consumers, it’s a reminder to approach powerful vehicles with caution, especially during ceremonial drives. For showrooms, it highlights the need for stricter safety protocols to prevent such accidents. The incident also underscores the importance of cultural practices being conducted safely, balancing tradition with modern realities.
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Conclusion
The dramatic crash of a brand-new Mahindra Thar Roxx through a Delhi showroom glass wall is a stark reminder of how quickly celebrations can turn chaotic without proper precautions. While Maani Pawar, her husband Pradeep, and salesman Vikas escaped serious harm, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about showroom safety, driver preparedness, and the power of modern SUVs. As the viral video continues to circulate, it’s a call to action for dealerships, manufacturers, and consumers to prioritize safety over spectacle. Let’s learn from this mishap to ensure such incidents remain a one-off, not a recurring headline.
