A TEST drive turned deadly at an automobile exhibition yesterday in Guangzhou, the Guangzhou Daily reported today.

The accident happened around 1:45pm. A driver was taking a test ride in a Mitsubishi Pajero Jeep when he suddenly lost control and smashed into a viewing stand for spectators, the report said.

A man and a woman were sitting on the stand at that time. The vehicle hit the man before he had time to escape, throwing him 20 meters, a witness surnamed Chen is quoted as saying.

Though the man was whisked to hospital immediately, he died of serious injuries soon afterwards, the report said.

The exhibition venue was divided into two zones. One is designated for professional drivers to show off their driving skills. The other is prepared for non-professionals to enjoy test drives and have fun, the report said.

Adequate safety measures are lacking in these two zones to prevent potential accidents as only a few ropes and advertisement boards separated them from the spectator stand, the report said.

"Had the prevention measures been more sufficient, the tragedy might have been averted," Chen told the paper.

Both the driver and the automobile company that provided that test drive should shoulder responsibility for the death, the report said, quoting a local lawyer.

Police are investigating the cause of the accident, the report said.