BMW crashes into Taichung congee shop after driver distracted by phone

A rented BMW crashed into a well-known fish maw and pork congee shop in Taichung's Beitun District on Tuesday, creating a scene that some netizens jokingly dubbed an "alternative drive-thru." The 71-year-old driver, identified by the surname Huang, was reportedly driving along Yongcheng North Road when his mobile phone fell.

While attempting to pick up the phone, Huang lost focus on the road ahead. The vehicle veered off course and smashed into the shop's metal gate, leaving it dented. Fortunately, the incident occurred before the shop opened for business, meaning no customers or pedestrians were harmed. Huang himself was reportedly only startled by the accident.

Police arrived at the scene and conducted alcohol and drug tests on Huang, both of which came back negative. Initial investigations suggest the crash was due to a failure to pay attention to the road. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage to reconstruct the event. The incident serves as a reminder for drivers to remain focused and avoid distractions while operating a vehicle.