Police in Meiningen were called in the early hours of 15 November 2026 after a breakdown vehicle was reported on the B19 road near the village of Breitungen. The caller said the driver appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Officers arrived at the scene and carried out an on-site breath test. The test showed 2.13 promille. Nearby, police also spotted a damaged warning sign, and due to the damage pattern, an earlier collision could not be ruled out. After the breath test, the driver was taken to Schmalkalden Hospital, where a blood sample was taken. The vehicle was no longer roadworthy and had to be towed away. An investigation was opened against the driver.