By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — A suspected drunk driver crashed onto the Kaohsiung light rail tracks Friday night, blocking service near Heart of Love River Station for nearly an hour, police said.
The Liberty Times reports that the 64-year-old driver, surnamed Wang (王), was traveling south on Bo’ai 2nd Road (博愛二路) at about 9:30 p.m. and attempting to turn left onto Dashun 1st Road (大順一路) when his car left the roadway, police said.
The vehicle struck a trackside stone curb and traffic sign before becoming stuck on the light rail tracks.
Police said the crash damaged the front of the car and a light rail signal pole. Wang suffered minor abrasions but did not require hospital treatment.
Officers administered a breath test at the scene, which showed a breath alcohol concentration of 0.49 milligrams per liter, above the legal limit.
Police contacted a tow truck to remove the vehicle, and light rail service and surrounding traffic resumed within about an hour.
Wang was referred to the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors’ Office on suspicion of public endangerment and negligent obstruction of railway or traffic safety.
Police said drunk driving can carry a fine of up to NT$120,000. Vehicles entering mass transit tracks can also be fined up to NT$7,500 under the Mass Rapid Transit Act.
