24-4-2024 (SINGAPORE) In a development following the tragic multi-vehicle accident in Tampines that claimed two lives, Singaporean authorities have arrested a 42-year-old car driver on Wednesday (Apr 24). The arrest comes after the individual was discharged from the hospital, where he was receiving medical treatment.
The Singapore Police Force, in response to media inquiries, confirmed the arrest and stated that the suspect’s driving license has been suspended pending further investigation. The offence of reckless or dangerous driving causing death carries severe consequences, with first-time offenders facing a potential jail term of two to eight years, while repeat offenders could face imprisonment ranging from four to 15 years.
The harrowing accident, which occurred on Monday morning at the junction of Tampines Avenue 1 and Avenue 4, involved a devastating collision between four cars, a van, and a minibus. Eyewitness accounts and dashcam footage paint a chilling picture of the events leading up to the tragedy.
According to information obtained by Channel NewsAsia (CNA), the arrested suspect was reportedly driving a black Saab that was captured on dashcam footage speeding and sideswiping a white car before approaching the junction. Moments later, multiple vehicles were seen damaged at the intersection, with a black car overturned.
The accident claimed the lives of a 17-year-old student from Temasek Junior College and a 57-year-old woman. Six other individuals, including the driver now under arrest, were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
Initial investigations by the police on Monday had indicated that the driver was assisting with inquiries related to the incident. However, the latest development marks a significant escalation in the case, with the suspect now facing formal charges.
Among those injured in the collision were the father of the 17-year-old Temasek JC victim, a 64-year-old van driver, an 11-year-old car passenger, and an 11-year-old minibus passenger. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reported that one individual was found with a leg trapped under the wheel of a car, necessitating the use of hydraulic rescue equipment to free the trapped limb.
