A family in China is facing backlash and possible fines after burying a luxury Mercedes-Benz S450L as a funeral offering for a deceased relative who was known as a passionate car collector.
The Jin family from Liaoyang reportedly buried the $160,000 vehicle — complete with a custom license plate — in the belief that it would bring wealth and comfort to their relative in the afterlife.
While symbolic burials of personal items are a long-standing tradition, the scale of this gesture quickly drew attention online after photos and videos of the burial went viral.
Local authorities intervened soon after, stating that the act violated regulations. Officials from the civil affairs bureau reprimanded the family for illegally burying the car and required them to issue a public apology. They are now expected to face fines and may also have to cover the cost of excavating the vehicle, restoring the burial site, and handling any environmental damage.
Beyond the legal consequences, the case sparked wider debate about the limits of cultural traditions in a modern regulatory environment. What was intended as a final tribute turned into a public controversy — showing how quickly private rituals can escalate once they enter the public eye.