25-4-2024 (SINGAPORE) Muhammad Syafie Bin Ismail, the Saab driver implicated in the tragic Tampines accident, appeared in court on April 25, facing charges of dangerous driving causing death.
Singaporean authorities detained the 42-year-old Syafie following his release from the hospital on April 24, according to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), who also suspended his driving license pending further investigation.
Syafie now confronts a total of four charges, encompassing dangerous driving causing hurt, reckless driving, and failing to stop after an accident.
The two charges of dangerous driving are directly linked to the six-vehicle collision resulting in two fatalities, while the remaining charges stem from an overtaking incident involving a white Mercedes.
Arriving at the State Courts adorned in a cap, sunglasses, and mask, Syafie sported a sling on his right arm. During proceedings, the prosecuting officer sought permission for Syafie to wear an electronic tag, citing concerns over his failure to stop after the accident, indicative of a potential flight risk.
However, Syafie contested the necessity of the electronic monitoring, highlighting the seizure of his documents and passport by the police and his compliance with bail conditions. He deferred the decision to the court.
The prosecution requested a four-week adjournment for further investigations, while Syafie was granted bail of S$30,000, coupled with an instruction not to contact prosecution witnesses.
The case is slated for a hearing on June 7, 2024.
Under Singaporean law, the offence of dangerous driving causing death carries a prison term ranging from two to eight years, along with a disqualification from driving all vehicle classes.
Moreover, dangerous driving causing hurt is punishable by a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment for a maximum of two years, or both, alongside disqualification from driving.
Reckless driving, on the other hand, incurs a fine of up to S$5,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.
Lastly, failing to stop after an accident carries a penalty of up to S$1,000 in fines, a jail term of up to three months, or both.
Surveillance footage captured a black Saab overtaking a white Mercedes and subsequently running a red light at the junction of Tampines Avenue 1 and Tampines Avenue 4.
This reckless manoeuvre triggered a chain collision involving six vehicles, comprising four cars, a van, and a minibus.
Tragically, the accident claimed the lives of two individuals – 17-year-old Afifah Munirah Binte Muhammad Azril and 57-year-old Norzihan Juwahib – both passengers in separate vehicles at the time, who were conveyed unconscious to the hospital and subsequently succumbed to their injuries.
