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Driver admits to running red light at 129kmh, killing two in Tampines crash
🇸🇬 Singapore /Crime & Justice

Driver admits to running red light at 129kmh, killing two in Tampines crash

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A driver pleaded guilty to charges including dangerous driving causing death after a fatal chain collision in Tampines killed two people.
  • The 45-year-old man admitted to running a red light at over 129kmh, hitting three vehicles and causing a multi-vehicle crash that injured ten people.
  • Victims' families experienced severe psychological trauma, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, following the incident.

A driver has pleaded guilty to charges including dangerous driving causing death following a fatal chain collision in Tampines that killed a 17-year-old student and a 57-year-old woman. The 45-year-old Singaporean man, Muhammad Syafie Ismail, admitted to running a red light at a speed of at least 129kmh on April 22, 2024, crashing into three vehicles and causing a multi-vehicle pile-up that injured ten people.

When another vehicle overtook him, he became angry and accelerated to at least 122kmh to overtake the vehicle dangerously.

— Court reportDescribing the driver's actions leading up to the fatal collision.

Several vehicles involved were carrying parents and children to school during peak hour. The court heard that before the fatal collision, Syafie had engaged in dangerous acceleration and lane-swerving after being overtaken by another vehicle. He then entered the junction against a red light, striking three cars that spun and collided with a van and a bus.

He dashed straight into the junction at a speed of at least 129 kmh, even though vehicles with the right of way were travelling across the road in both directions.

— Court reportDetailing the driver's actions at the red light.

The 17-year-old student was trapped and died from her injuries. Her father, who had fainted during the crash, broke down upon learning of his daughter's death in the hospital. Gag orders were imposed to protect the identities of several victims. The mother of the deceased student developed major depressive disorder and experienced extreme sadness, while also blaming herself and the school.

Her father had fainted after his vehicle overturned, but when he came to in hospital and heard that his daughter had died, he broke down in tears.

— Article textDescribing the impact of the tragedy on a victim's family.

Sentencing for Syafie, who pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving causing death, causing grievous hurt, and causing hurt, was adjourned. The prosecution is expected to submit its sentencing arguments, while the defense will prepare its mitigation submissions.

She experienced extreme sadness, felt life was meaningless and blamed her husband because he was alive while their daughter had died.

— Article textDescribing the psychological impact on the mother of the deceased student.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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