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Drivers get surprise windfall from broken toll machine

Officials say man owes $12K in unpaid tolls
Posted at 7:22 AM, Jul 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-11 08:22:19-04

MULVANE, Kan. (AP) — Some drivers got a surprise windfall when a malfunctioning toll machine spat out coins instead of accepting money near a Kansas casino.

The Wichita Eagle reports that Kansas Turnpike Authority spokeswoman Rachel Bell says the agency learned Tuesday morning about the problem with the machine at the Mulvane exit.

The agency inadvertently divulged details about the mishap when it sent a text alert to its public subscribers. The note said there was "NO WAY" to know the exact dollar amount that was taken.

KTA says the message was meant to be internal but made it out into the public realm after someone newly responsible for disseminating messages sent it to the wrong group of subscribers.

Bell wasn't immediately sure how many customers used the machine while it was being generous.