Car drives into HI water fountain

JAKARTA: A Toyota Corona sedan, with a drowsy driver at the wheel, hit the edge of Hotel Indonesia (HI) water fountain on Jl. MH. Thamrin, Central Jakarta, on Friday morning.

The driver, identified as Irawan, suffered minor injuries and managed to get out of the car before being taken to Cipto Mangunkusumo general hospital.

The accident, which occurred at about 2 a.m., caused heavy damage to the front of the vehicle, including its right tire.

Irawan was believed to be speeding from Jl. Jend. Sudirman toward Jl. MH. Thamrin before losing control as he turned left at the HI roundabout and hit it instead.

Several other, similar incidents, also involving drowsy drivers, have occurred here since the HI water fountain was rebuilt last year at a total cost of Rp 14 billion (US$1.6 million).--Antara