42-yr-old driver arrested after Tampines multi-vehicle crash kills two

SINGAPORE:  Singapore police have arrested a 42-year-old car driver for causing death due to dangerous driving in connection with Monday (22 April)'s fatal multi-vehicle accident in Tampines, which claimed the lives of two individuals.

According to authorities responding to media inquiries, the man, who was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday, has been placed under arrest.

Concurrently, his driving license has been immediately suspended, and police investigations into the incident are ongoing.

His driving licence has also been suspended with immediate effect and police investigations are ongoing.

The accident occurred at the junction of Tampines Avenue 1 and Avenue 4 on Monday morning at about 7.05am and involved four cars, a van, and a minibus.

Among the casualties were a 17-year-old student from Temasek Junior College and a 57-year-old woman, while six other individuals were hospitalized.

The Singaporean community mourns the loss of two lives: Temasek JC student Afifah Munirah Binte Muhammad Azril and 57-year-old Norzihan Bte Hj Juwahib, an employee of a pest control company.

Ms Norzihan had recently realized her dream of owning a home by purchasing a two-room flat in Sengkang just three months ago before the accident.

Footage captured from multiple dashboard cameras revealed the events leading up to and following the accident.

A black Saab was observed attempting to overtake a white Mercedes on Bedok Reservoir Road.

The Mercedes was struck when the Saab attempted the manoeuvre.

Subsequently, the Saab was observed disregarding a red light as it proceeded through the junction.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes successfully came to a halt at the red light.

Footage depicting the collision showed the Saab colliding with several vehicles either travelling straight along Tampines Avenue 1 or making a left turn onto Tampines Avenue 4.

Among these vehicles were one that overturned, another that appeared to have collided with a lamppost, one that struck a divider, and a mini-bus and van facing in the opposite direction.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force reported utilizing hydraulic rescue equipment to extricate the individual’s trapped leg from beneath the car wheel.

Several members of the public, including a nurse and two off-duty SCDF officers, assisted the injured following the accident, according to SCDF.

CPR was administered to two individuals at the accident site.

The police earlier stated that the accident involved four cars, one truck, and one minibus.

Observing comments on Singapore’s state media, many netizens express sadness upon hearing the news, offering condolences to the deceased’s family.

Tampines crash sparks calls for harsher penalties against dangerous driving

Additionally, some call for authorities to investigate the culprit behind the fatal accident and advocate for heavier punishment for reckless drivers.

Singapore witnessed a distressing increase in road fatalities in 2023, with 136 lives lost, marking a significant 25.9% rise from the 108 deaths recorded in 2022 and the highest since 2017.