Two separate traffic incidents over the last few days have left the Singapore community grieving the loss of lives and raised serious concerns about road safety.
Choa Chu Kang Incident
On 26 May 2024, an elderly male pedestrian lost his life in a tragic accident involving a minibus at the junction of Choa Chu Kang Avenue 1 and Choa Chu Kang Central. The police responded to the scene around 6.15 am, but it was too late for the 84-year-old man, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, a 53-year-old male, has since been arrested for careless driving causing death. Eyewitnesses reported a heartbreaking scene, with one passerby noting a large pool of blood on the road. As investigations continue, the traffic police highlight alarming statistics from their 2024 Road Traffic Situation report:
- 142 fatalities from traffic accidents in 2024.
- 199 traffic accidents involving elderly pedestrians, with 11 cases resulting in fatalities.
- Elderly pedestrians accounted for 42.3% of all fatal accidents involving pedestrians.
Braddell Road Tragedy
The mourning continued on 27 May 2024, when a fatal accident involving two lorries on Braddell Road resulted in another tragic loss. At approximately 2 pm, emergency services were alerted to the collision, which left one driver, a 36-year-old man, unconscious and later pronounced dead at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
The other driver, aged 59, and a 48-year-old passenger were also taken to the hospital, both conscious. They were trapped in the lorry’s driver’s seat, prompting the Singapore Civil Defence Force to utilise hydraulic rescue equipment for their extraction. The accident also caused significant traffic disruptions, with the Lornie Viaduct closed for several hours as motorists were caught in a long standstill.
Both incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the tragic impact of negligence. As investigations unfold, authorities continue to stress the need for caution, especially concerning vulnerable road users like the elderly.