A drunk driver who lost control of his container truck and rammed into 16 parked cars in a residential complex has been jailed for four years for endangering the public safety

Pudong New Area People’s Court said the offense occurred in the wee hours last October 10 after the 29-year-old driver surnamed Zhang had dined with friends and drank spirits and beer.

When he walked to the parking lot, he realized he was under the influence, but still started his vehicle’s engine.

He ran into the wall of the parking lot, knocking it down. Then, he drove into a residential complex on the opposite side of the street and plowed through 16 cars parked alongside, the court said.

“I had tried to stop him but he, seemingly drunk, said everything was fine and just directly rushed to the complex,” said the gatekeeper surnamed Xu, who alerted police.

Blood tests showed Zhang’s alcohol content was nearly three times over the limit.

The damage to the wall and cars was put at 193,000 yuan (US$28,250). No one was injured in the incidents.