Footage showed the car jump due to the bulge caused on the road by the extreme heatwave conditions.
A shocking video from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, has gone viral after a stretch of road suddenly buckled under extreme heat, sending a car briefly airborne. The incident highlights the severe impact of the ongoing heatwave sweeping across much of the United States.
The dramatic footage was captured by local resident Albert Blackwell, who told USA Today that the road on Siemers Drive in the western part of the city suddenly rose more than 18 inches, launching a passing car off the ground. The video shows the vehicle hitting the buckled pavement and lifting into the air before landing back on the damaged surface.
Thankfully, the Cape Girardeau Police Department confirmed that the driver was not injured in the incident.
“When I went back to get a front angle of cars going over the smaller buckle, the road exploded and rose over 18 inches, sending a car airborne,” Blackwell explained.
City Responds to Heat-Related Damage
In response to the incident, city officials issued a public warning and began repair efforts on the damaged roads.
“Both Broadway and Siemers buckled in this heat wave. Thank you to the crews for managing traffic and the temporary fix on Siemers. We will return to complete full repairs soon,” the city stated.
They also urged drivers to remain cautious and to watch out for road crews working in the intense heat:
“Please drive carefully and be mindful of city workers who will be out repairing streets. Stay safe out there!”
Social Media Reacts
The viral video sparked strong reactions online. Many viewers expressed disbelief, with some questioning the quality of road maintenance and others commenting on the intensity of the heat.
“How hot was it that a huge bump like that appeared?” one user asked.
“Right in front of a car dealership, eh? What are the odds?” joked another.
A third commented: “Do you know how unlucky you have to be for this to happen to you? I would’ve just gone home and taken a nap.”
Heatwave Grips the U.S.
The incident in Missouri comes amid widespread heat advisories across major U.S. cities, including New York, Washington D.C., Kansas City, Detroit, and Philadelphia. Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid direct sunlight, and use cooling centers or public spaces with air conditioning if needed.
Meteorologists are warning of a heat dome, a high-pressure system that traps hot air and causes prolonged periods of extreme temperatures. According to experts, extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., outpacing hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.
