A private campaign truck driver for Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) might face legal repercussions after becoming stuck in the Hengchun Old City West Gate, causing minor damage to the historic structure.
At about 6pm on Sunday, the Hengchun precinct of the Pingtung County Police Bureau was called to assist in removing the truck, which became stuck after the driver misjudged its height.
Officers were able to remove the truck from the Qing Dynasty-era gate after deflating the tires.
Photo from the Days Mumbai Facebook page
Pending an assessment by local cultural authorities, police might ask the driver to come file a report and transfer the case to prosecutors, the precinct said in a news release on Monday.
TPP Pingtung chapter head Lin Yu-hsien (林育先) said the party would cooperate with an investigation into the incident, but added that the truck was owned and operated by a supporter, not the campaign.
Incidents of vehicles damaging the gate are not uncommon, as its clearance is only 2m.
Photo: Tsai Tsung-hsien, Taipei Times
After Sunday’s mishap, local cultural authorities vowed to study how to preserve the structure while minimizing incidents.
Under Article 103 of the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act (文化資產保存法), damaging a historical site is subject to a prison sentence of six months to five years, and a fine of NT$500,000 to NT$20 million (US$16,110 to US$644,380).
Additional reporting by CNA
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