The woman, who was driving her red Peugeot 306 in the direction of the university roundabout lost control of her car and plummeted nearly two-and-a-half metres down to the road below. The car is said to have landed on its top.

As a result of the impact, the woman driver suffered serious injuries while her passenger only suffered from shock. The woman’s injuries were described by police as life threatening since she had suffered critical head injuries.

Police sources said there were several bottles of vodka, wine and beer inside the car but this information was not officially confirmed.

The accident took place at 5.15am when the couple were on their way home. Police arrived on the scene minutes later and cordoned off the area. Regional Road, usually a busy road, was even busier, especially because of curious drivers who slowed down to see the accident.

The road was closed for about eight hours, till duty magistrate Silvio Meli and the court experts he appointed conducted their on-site inquiry.