Obama Abandons Grounded Cadillac in Dublin

The U.S. Presidential Cadillac – nicknamed „The Beast“ for its bomb-proof features – failed to make it out of the U.S. Embassy in Dublin on Monday (May 23) when it became stuck on a ramp.

Barack Obama and his wife, en route to his ancestral home in County Offaly, had to abandon the car after the accident in front of waving crowds in Dublin.

The president then left the building from a different entrance.

Especially built for Obama, the General Motors vehicle boasts its own oxygen supply in case of chemical attack and armour-plated doors.

Obama and first lady Michelle waited in the car while police officers rushed to the stricken vehicle.

They then moved to another vehicle, behind a bus strategically parked to block onlookers‘ views, to drive to the Marine One helicopter carrying them to County Offaly.

The crowds watched the incident incredulously.

[Local Onlooker]:

„I suppose everybody was going like, there was a big ‚Oh my God, what’s up to happening there?‘, and I think it was really the comedy of it because there was so much drama before that with all the guys and the Secret Service and everything.“

[Local Onlooker]:

„There was a quite a loud metal noise as it hit the ramp and people were just amazed. There seemed to be a bit of a pause and then the other cars on the street pulled forward, obviously to block whatever views.“

On Tuesday (May 24) Obama flies to London for a three-day state visit to Britain.

Foto: NTD