Reporter Wu Shilong / Kaohsiung Report
A drug-driving collision occurred in Daliao District, Kaohsiung City, early on the 19th. A man surnamed Ni was driving a car when he suddenly lost control at the intersection of Fengping 2nd Road and Heti Road Section 1, directly hitting a motorcycle waiting at a red light with two riders. The couple on the motorcycle were thrown into the air and injured. Police later found 21 second-level narcotics "etomidate" (commonly known as zombie e-cigarette pods) in Ni's car. After a saliva rapid test, it was confirmed that Ni was driving under the influence of drugs. The case has been transferred to the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office for investigation.
▲ Ni was driving on Fengping 2nd Road in Daliao District when he crashed into a motorcycle waiting at a red light, causing the couple to be thrown into the air and fall heavily, and also affected roadside shops. (Photo/Reporter Wu Shilong, same below)
Linyuan Precinct stated that Ni, 36, was driving a car south on Jiuhe Road at around 1:31 a.m. today. When he reached the intersection of Fengping 2nd Road, his car suddenly lost control and violently rear-ended the motorcycle waiting at the red light. The impact was so strong that motorcycle parts scattered everywhere. The male rider surnamed Li, 38, and his girlfriend surnamed Li, 35, who was riding pillion, were thrown into the air and fell heavily to the ground. Paramedics initially assessed fractures and immediately sent them to the hospital. They were conscious and not in life-threatening condition.
After violently hitting the motorcycle, Ni's out-of-control car did not stop immediately but continued towards a roadside shop. The force even tore open the shop's iron sheet exterior wall. Fortunately, no one was inside the shop at the time, so no further casualties occurred. The front of Ni's car was severely dented, and the windshield was shattered like a spider web. Ni himself sustained only minor injuries.
Police arrived at the scene to handle the situation and direct traffic. Although Ni's alcohol test result was zero, they found e-cigarettes and as many as 21 etomidate pods in Ni's car. They immediately performed a saliva drug rapid test on Ni, which showed a significant positive reaction, and he was arrested on the spot.
After questioning, police transferred Ni to the prosecutor's office for violating the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act and public danger offenses. They also issued a citation under the Road Traffic Management Penalty Act. Ni faces a maximum fine of NT$120,000, his vehicle was impounded on the spot, and his driver's license will be suspended for one to two years. The exact cause and responsibility of the accident are still pending further investigation.
