A former Southampton footballer narrowly avoided serious harm in a multi-vehicle collision on a Dutch motorway on Saturday evening.
Eljero Elia's £270,000 Lamborghini Urus was extensively damaged after colliding with three other vehicles on the A4 near Leiden at approximately 9:45pm.
The 38-year-old former winger was among several drivers questioned by police following the incident. Officers transported two motorists, including Elia, to the police station.
The collision resulted in severe damage to all vehicles involved, with one car losing a wheel entirely. The motorway's main carriageway was shut for several hours while authorities investigated and cleared debris.
Speaking to Dutch media outlet Omroep West, Elia explained that he had been travelling on a typically quiet stretch of road when vehicles ahead suddenly came to a halt.
"I was driving in a stretch that's normally quiet around that time. Suddenly, I saw the traffic in front of me brake and come to a standstill. I tried to brake, but I skidded," he stated.
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The former Netherlands international told officers his version of events before being allowed to return home. "I told them [the police] what happened and then I went home," he confirmed.
Dutch media outlets have reported that authorities conducted alcohol tests on some drivers involved in the collision.
Elia enjoyed a journeyman career across European football, featuring for clubs including Juventus, Werder Bremen and Feyenoord.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**The Dutchman earned 30 international caps and found the net against Scotland and Hungary during his time with the national team.
His Premier League experience came through a loan spell at Southampton in early 2015, where he made 17 appearances and netted twice in a victory over Newcastle.
The Saints opted against making the transfer permanent, returning him to Werder Bremen.
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#SONDAKİKA | Eski Hollanda millî futbolcusu Eljero Elia trafik kazasına karıştı! 🇳🇱🚨
— Göksu Başaran (@1goksubasaran) October 4, 2025
Bu akşam A4 otoyolunda, Leiden yönünde üç aracın karıştığı bir kaza meydana geldi.
Lamborghini Urus marka aracıyla kazaya karışan Eljero Elia, yanında bulunan bir kişiyle birlikte polis… pic.twitter.com/zNtGrKLdmw
The winger hung up his boots in 2022 following an ankle ligament injury. He currently serves as assistant coach for ADO Den Haag's Under-21 squad.
Despite the severity of the collision, authorities confirmed that nobody sustained serious injuries. Elia took to Instagram to reassure his followers, posting: "Everyone healthy and well got out of the recent situation. God is great."
The former footballer is married to Sanne Elia, who runs Heavenly Beauty headspa. The couple share three children: Heavenly, Seal and Eljero Dream.
Dutch police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Elia's luxury vehicle was removed from the scene by a police recovery lorry, though authorities have not disclosed the specific reason for this action.
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