Elderly driver mistakenly drives onto Kaohsiung light rail tracks

A 76-year-old man drove his car onto the Kaohsiung light rail tracks on Thursday evening, causing a temporary halt to services but fortunately resulting in no injuries or collisions. The incident occurred between the C18 Gushan District Office Station and C19 Makado Station.

According to police, the elderly driver was traveling eastbound on Housheng Road when he claims he swerved to avoid a pedestrian. Combined with poor night visibility and unfamiliarity with the area, he mistakenly entered the light rail's dedicated right-of-way, becoming stuck on the tracks.

Police and the light rail company responded quickly, implementing traffic control measures and adjusting operations. A tow truck was called to remove the vehicle from the tracks, after which normal operations resumed. The driver is being cited for violating the Mass Rapid Transit Act.

Authorities are urging drivers to pay close attention to signage and traffic guidance systems when driving near light rail lines to prevent similar incidents.

“

To avoid a pedestrian, coupled with poor night visibility and unfamiliarity with the road conditions, I mistakenly drove into the light rail's dedicated right-of-way.