A 24-year-old drunkenly crashed his car into a tree in Arnstadt. The driver and his 19-year-old passenger were taken to hospital with serious injuries, police said. Late on Friday evening, the man drove his car off the road in a right-hand bend, hit the tree and then slipped into the ditch opposite.

A breath alcohol test showed the 24-year-old had a blood alcohol level of 1.64, it was said. A blood sample was ordered. Officials estimate the damage at 20,000 euros.

© dpa-infocom, dpa:260711-930-368752/1