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S’porean dies in Taiwan after being hit by Porsche

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A Singaporean was killed on Tuesday night in Taiwan after he was hit by a Porsche driver whose blood alcohol level was reportedly above the legal limit.

The victim was a flight attendant with United Airlines (UA).

Online news agency Taiwan News reported that the man, who is believed to be in his 30s to 40s, was on leave and had arrived in Taiwan earlier that day. It is not known if he was travelling with anyone.

He was crossing a road not meant for pedestrians when he was hit by a white Porsche sport utility vehicle along Dunhua South Road in Taipei’s Da’an District at around 9pm.

Taiwan News reported that he was struck with such force that the bonnet of the car was severely dented. He was rushed to hospital but doctors were unable to resuscitate him. He was declared dead at 10pm.

Taiwan News said the driver, 52, whose name was given only as Hsiang, is being investigated for offences against public safety and negligent homicide.

Yahoo News reported that Hsiang told police that he had consumed a few glasses of red wine while having dinner with friends that night and believed he was sober while driving home.

It added that Hsiang claimed he was not driving fast and blamed the accident on the dark and rainy road conditions. He said the man had suddenly darted in front of his car.

A breathalyser test was done on Hsiang, and his blood alcohol level was found to be 0.58mg per litre. This exceeds the legal limit of 0.15mg per litre, reported Taiwan News.

The news agency added that there was a “no pedestrian crossing” sign on the road where the accident occurred.

A UA spokesman told The Straits Times: “We are saddened by this tragic news and are in contact with his family via the Singapore Representative Office in Taipei to do all that’s possible to take care of them during this difficult time.”

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it has been in touch with and is providing consular assistance to the Singaporean’s family. “We offer our sincere condolences to the family and will continue to provide appropriate support to them,” said a spokesman.

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