This is the shocking moment a courier van crashed into a notorious low bridge in Russia.

Dashcam footage shows a couple driving behind the cargo vehicle when its container struck the yellow height-restriction beam on Yuzhnoye Highway, near the Sortirovochnaya railway station in St Petersburg.

The van's roof was torn open upon impact as it attempted to pass under the Nevsky overpass on October 4.

The car behind managed to stop just in time and reversed away from the motorway to avoid flying debris.

Locals have since dubbed the crossing the city's 'new Bridge of Stupidity', comparing it to the infamous low overpass that became an online sensation after destroying dozens of lorries over the years.

Experts believe the high number of crashes is mainly caused by outdated infrastructure, driver fatigue, and inattention.