A TEST drive turned deadly at an automobile exhibition Sunday in Guangzhou, the Guangzhou Daily reported yesterday.

The accident happened around 1:45 p.m. A driver was taking a test ride in a Mitsubishi Pajero when he suddenly lost control and smashed into a viewing stand for spectators, the report said.

A man and a woman were sitting on the stand at that time. The vehicle hit the man before he had time to escape, throwing him 20 meters, a witness surnamed Chen was quoted as saying.

Although the man was whisked to hospital immediately, he died of serious injuries soon afterwards, the report said.

The exhibition venue was divided into two zones. One was designated for professional drivers to show off their driving skills. The other was prepared for nonprofessionals to enjoy test drives and have fun, the report said.

Adequate safety measures were lacking in these two zones to prevent potential accidents as only a few ropes and advertisement boards separated them from the spectator stand, the report said.

"Had the prevention measures been more sufficient, the tragedy might have been averted," Chen told the newspaper.

Both the driver and the automobile company that arranged the test drive should shoulder responsibility for the death, the report said, quoting a local lawyer.

(SD-Agencies)