Remembering the most horrifying traffic accidents that shook Singapore
07 Nov 2018|70,445 views
THESE
ACCIDENTS HIGHLIGHT THE NEED TO DRIVE SAFELY
ACCIDENTS HIGHLIGHT THE NEED TO DRIVE SAFELY
Text | Goh Zhi Xuan
Photos | Newslink
Photos | Newslink
7 November 2018
Sitting in a ton of metal hurtling down the road at speed definitely comes with its fair share of risks. Here are some of the worst accidents in Singapore lately.
As a driver, you will probably remember the day you passed your driving test. Before getting your driver's license, you will have to watch a mandatory road safety video which includes gruesome images of traffic accidents. That is our traffic police's way of reminding us the dangers of piloting a powerful machine that can easily cause grievous injuries or even death if not handled appropriately.
Here are some of the worst accidents that happened in Singapore recently.
As a driver, you will probably remember the day you passed your driving test. Before getting your driver's license, you will have to watch a mandatory road safety video which includes gruesome images of traffic accidents. That is our traffic police's way of reminding us the dangers of piloting a powerful machine that can easily cause grievous injuries or even death if not handled appropriately.
Here are some of the worst accidents that happened in Singapore recently.
1. NUS undergraduate dies after accident at Clementi Road
Most would've seen the video of this incident on the various social media platforms, showing the horrifying accident where the impact threw the 19-year old student from the National University of Singapore partially out of a taxi's window.
This accident happened at the junction of Clementi Road and Commonwealth Avenue West, where the taxi was making a discretionary right turn (no green turning arrow). Such traffic junctions allow a smoother traffic flow by allowing drivers to make the turn according to their judgement. However, they aren't as useful on busy roads with heavy traffic flow, and an accident such as this can happen when there is a lapse of judgement.
Most would've seen the video of this incident on the various social media platforms, showing the horrifying accident where the impact threw the 19-year old student from the National University of Singapore partially out of a taxi's window.
This accident happened at the junction of Clementi Road and Commonwealth Avenue West, where the taxi was making a discretionary right turn (no green turning arrow). Such traffic junctions allow a smoother traffic flow by allowing drivers to make the turn according to their judgement. However, they aren't as useful on busy roads with heavy traffic flow, and an accident such as this can happen when there is a lapse of judgement.
2. Three pedestrians killed in an accident near Yio Chu Kang MRT station
This is definitely a freak accident that will send chills down your spine. A 25-year old lorry driver seemingly lost control of his vehicle, mounted a kerb and hit the railings on the pavement before ploughing into pedestrians near Yio Chu Kang MRT Station. The lorry only stopped after it hit an SBS bus and subsequently, a bollard. This incident took the lives of three victims, where two of them had to be extricated from underneath the lorry.
While the driver has been arrested for dangerous driving causing death, the tragedy that happened cannot be reversed. It reminds us the fact that one must always be cautious while driving, as a momentary lapse of control can easily result in a machine weighing more than a ton to become a murderous weapon.
This is definitely a freak accident that will send chills down your spine. A 25-year old lorry driver seemingly lost control of his vehicle, mounted a kerb and hit the railings on the pavement before ploughing into pedestrians near Yio Chu Kang MRT Station. The lorry only stopped after it hit an SBS bus and subsequently, a bollard. This incident took the lives of three victims, where two of them had to be extricated from underneath the lorry.
While the driver has been arrested for dangerous driving causing death, the tragedy that happened cannot be reversed. It reminds us the fact that one must always be cautious while driving, as a momentary lapse of control can easily result in a machine weighing more than a ton to become a murderous weapon.
3. Two killed and one injured along Bukit Timah Road
A silver Toyota Hiace van was speeding along Bukit Timah Road when it mounted a kerb on the left side of the road and crashed near KK Women's and Children's Hospital. The front end of the van was severely damaged, while the body of it was contorted, indicating an exceptionally strong impact.
Two men aged 25 and 42 who were passengers in the van were killed in the accident while the 25-year old driver was injured. While many may think that they are able to control their vehicle at high speed, all it takes is a slight blunder for things to end badly. Car accidents are often nasty enough, and speeding can easily make them an unfortunate fatal event. Depending on how much higher than the speed limits, you can be fined from $130 and 4 demerit points (for exceeding 1-20 km/h) to $170 and 8 demerit points (for exceeding 31-40km/h), for any higher speeds, the offender will be prosecuted in court.
A silver Toyota Hiace van was speeding along Bukit Timah Road when it mounted a kerb on the left side of the road and crashed near KK Women's and Children's Hospital. The front end of the van was severely damaged, while the body of it was contorted, indicating an exceptionally strong impact.
Two men aged 25 and 42 who were passengers in the van were killed in the accident while the 25-year old driver was injured. While many may think that they are able to control their vehicle at high speed, all it takes is a slight blunder for things to end badly. Car accidents are often nasty enough, and speeding can easily make them an unfortunate fatal event. Depending on how much higher than the speed limits, you can be fined from $130 and 4 demerit points (for exceeding 1-20 km/h) to $170 and 8 demerit points (for exceeding 31-40km/h), for any higher speeds, the offender will be prosecuted in court.
4. Woman killed in collision between car and SMRT bus
Another notable accident this year, a 23-year old woman died after the car she was travelling in collided with an SMRT bus. The accident occurred when the black Mercedes the victim was in crashed into the SMRT bus while making a right turn to enter the Pan-Island Expressway from Jalan Anak Bukit.
This incident and the one at Clementi road, brought discretionary right turns to the centre stage. An online petition was even started to strive for the removal of such signal junctions. Subsequently, LTA announced the plans to introduce right turn green arrows for the majority of Singapore's junctions in a bid to prevent such incidents from reoccurring in the future.
Another notable accident this year, a 23-year old woman died after the car she was travelling in collided with an SMRT bus. The accident occurred when the black Mercedes the victim was in crashed into the SMRT bus while making a right turn to enter the Pan-Island Expressway from Jalan Anak Bukit.
This incident and the one at Clementi road, brought discretionary right turns to the centre stage. An online petition was even started to strive for the removal of such signal junctions. Subsequently, LTA announced the plans to introduce right turn green arrows for the majority of Singapore's junctions in a bid to prevent such incidents from reoccurring in the future.
5. Motorcyclist loses control in Upper Jurong road
A motorcyclist was found lying motionless along with his badly damaged motorcycle on a grass patch in Upper Jurong road, he was pronounced dead by the paramedics on the scene. The accident which took the rider's life occurred when he lost control and was thrown off his bike.
It is often said that riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving and that is true to a certain extent. Unlike drivers who are protected by the metal body of the car, motorcyclists are exposed to the elements and face a much higher risk of getting severely injured or dying in a crash. Needless to say, everyone has a part in road safety. Not only should motorcyclists ride safely, drivers should also do their part and keep a lookout for this vulnerable group of road users.
A motorcyclist was found lying motionless along with his badly damaged motorcycle on a grass patch in Upper Jurong road, he was pronounced dead by the paramedics on the scene. The accident which took the rider's life occurred when he lost control and was thrown off his bike.
It is often said that riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving and that is true to a certain extent. Unlike drivers who are protected by the metal body of the car, motorcyclists are exposed to the elements and face a much higher risk of getting severely injured or dying in a crash. Needless to say, everyone has a part in road safety. Not only should motorcyclists ride safely, drivers should also do their part and keep a lookout for this vulnerable group of road users.
6. Three injured in Sentosa crash involving a Lamborghini
The scene of a bright yellow Lamborghini on its roof is surely an eye-catching sight. The Lamborghini driver, his passenger and the driver of a Toyota Estima that were involved in the accident were injured and sent to the hospital. How the Lamborghini flipped on a seemingly narrow and short section of the road is the first thought that comes across most minds when they first saw the photos circulated through various social media platforms.
Clearly, even high performance supercars aren't immune to accidents despite their high level of engineering, which allows them to reach extreme speeds.
The scene of a bright yellow Lamborghini on its roof is surely an eye-catching sight. The Lamborghini driver, his passenger and the driver of a Toyota Estima that were involved in the accident were injured and sent to the hospital. How the Lamborghini flipped on a seemingly narrow and short section of the road is the first thought that comes across most minds when they first saw the photos circulated through various social media platforms.
Clearly, even high performance supercars aren't immune to accidents despite their high level of engineering, which allows them to reach extreme speeds.
7. More than 30 injured in collision between SBS and SMRT bus
An SBS bus crashed into an SMRT bus at a bus stop in Bukit Batok, causing 34 people to be injured in the incident. The front windscreen of the SBS bus was smashed and its front bumper was damaged as well. It can be seen that a safety bollard broke the impact and stopped the bus from crashing into the bus stop.
Such an incident emphasises the importance of safety when it comes to public transportation services as any incident will affect a large number of people who are in the vehicle.
An SBS bus crashed into an SMRT bus at a bus stop in Bukit Batok, causing 34 people to be injured in the incident. The front windscreen of the SBS bus was smashed and its front bumper was damaged as well. It can be seen that a safety bollard broke the impact and stopped the bus from crashing into the bus stop.
Such an incident emphasises the importance of safety when it comes to public transportation services as any incident will affect a large number of people who are in the vehicle.
8. Lorry crashes into a walkway
A lorry mounted the kerb and crashed into a sheltered walkway along Serangoon road, destroying the roof. The 34-year old driver who was trapped in his vehicle needed to be released with the help of SCDF officers, and was arrested for drink driving.
Drink driving is an extremely irresponsible act that will not only ruin your life, but others on the road as well. It also comes with harsh penalties such as fines of up to $5000 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months upon the first offence. Your driver's license will also be suspended for a minimum of 12 months.
A lorry mounted the kerb and crashed into a sheltered walkway along Serangoon road, destroying the roof. The 34-year old driver who was trapped in his vehicle needed to be released with the help of SCDF officers, and was arrested for drink driving.
Drink driving is an extremely irresponsible act that will not only ruin your life, but others on the road as well. It also comes with harsh penalties such as fines of up to $5000 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months upon the first offence. Your driver's license will also be suspended for a minimum of 12 months.
9. Two men trapped in lorry after a chain collision
Two men were trapped in a lorry after a chain collision on the Ayer Rajar Expressway, which involved two tipper trucks, a trailer and the aforementioned lorry. The trapped men had to be extricated by SCDF officers using hydraulic rescue tools. One of them suffered an open fracture on his left leg, while the other had minor leg injuries.
Many chain collisions occur due to sudden movements on the road, which does not allow the approaching vehicle to react in time, or when vehicles follow too closely. While accidents can't be totally avoided, keeping a safe following distance and staying alert may just get you out of trouble. It will also be a good practice to signal your intentions and avoid abrupt movements such as lane changing, to avoid being the cause of a chain collision.
Two men were trapped in a lorry after a chain collision on the Ayer Rajar Expressway, which involved two tipper trucks, a trailer and the aforementioned lorry. The trapped men had to be extricated by SCDF officers using hydraulic rescue tools. One of them suffered an open fracture on his left leg, while the other had minor leg injuries.
Many chain collisions occur due to sudden movements on the road, which does not allow the approaching vehicle to react in time, or when vehicles follow too closely. While accidents can't be totally avoided, keeping a safe following distance and staying alert may just get you out of trouble. It will also be a good practice to signal your intentions and avoid abrupt movements such as lane changing, to avoid being the cause of a chain collision.
10. Woman dies after husband accidentally drives into her
In a truly tragic accident, a 64-year old woman died after her husband accidentally reversed into her at Blk 332 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1. After hitting her, the husband panicked and drove into a nearby pillar, toppling two parked motorbikes.
This is a stark reminder that vehicles are dangerous machines that has the ability to easily take lives when mishandled. It further highlights the need to drive safely as a moment of mistake can become a lifetime of regret when things go wrong.
While some accidents are unavoidable, we should all do our part to stay sharp and drive carefully to keep us all safe and sound.
In a truly tragic accident, a 64-year old woman died after her husband accidentally reversed into her at Blk 332 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1. After hitting her, the husband panicked and drove into a nearby pillar, toppling two parked motorbikes.
This is a stark reminder that vehicles are dangerous machines that has the ability to easily take lives when mishandled. It further highlights the need to drive safely as a moment of mistake can become a lifetime of regret when things go wrong.
While some accidents are unavoidable, we should all do our part to stay sharp and drive carefully to keep us all safe and sound.
Sitting in a ton of metal hurtling down the road at speed definitely comes with its fair share of risks. Here are some of the worst accidents in Singapore lately.
As a driver, you will probably remember the day you passed your driving test. Before getting your driver's license, you will have to watch a mandatory road safety video which includes gruesome images of traffic accidents. That is our traffic police's way of reminding us the dangers of piloting a powerful machine that can easily cause grievous injuries or even death if not handled appropriately.
Here are some of the worst accidents that happened in Singapore recently.
As a driver, you will probably remember the day you passed your driving test. Before getting your driver's license, you will have to watch a mandatory road safety video which includes gruesome images of traffic accidents. That is our traffic police's way of reminding us the dangers of piloting a powerful machine that can easily cause grievous injuries or even death if not handled appropriately.
Here are some of the worst accidents that happened in Singapore recently.
1. NUS undergraduate dies after accident at Clementi Road
Most would've seen the video of this incident on the various social media platforms, showing the horrifying accident where the impact threw the 19-year old student from the National University of Singapore partially out of a taxi's window.
This accident happened at the junction of Clementi Road and Commonwealth Avenue West, where the taxi was making a discretionary right turn (no green turning arrow). Such traffic junctions allow a smoother traffic flow by allowing drivers to make the turn according to their judgement. However, they aren't as useful on busy roads with heavy traffic flow, and an accident such as this can happen when there is a lapse of judgement.
Most would've seen the video of this incident on the various social media platforms, showing the horrifying accident where the impact threw the 19-year old student from the National University of Singapore partially out of a taxi's window.
This accident happened at the junction of Clementi Road and Commonwealth Avenue West, where the taxi was making a discretionary right turn (no green turning arrow). Such traffic junctions allow a smoother traffic flow by allowing drivers to make the turn according to their judgement. However, they aren't as useful on busy roads with heavy traffic flow, and an accident such as this can happen when there is a lapse of judgement.
2. Three pedestrians killed in an accident near Yio Chu Kang MRT station
This is definitely a freak accident that will send chills down your spine. A 25-year old lorry driver seemingly lost control of his vehicle, mounted a kerb and hit the railings on the pavement before ploughing into pedestrians near Yio Chu Kang MRT Station. The lorry only stopped after it hit an SBS bus and subsequently, a bollard. This incident took the lives of three victims, where two of them had to be extricated from underneath the lorry.
While the driver has been arrested for dangerous driving causing death, the tragedy that happened cannot be reversed. It reminds us the fact that one must always be cautious while driving, as a momentary lapse of control can easily result in a machine weighing more than a ton to become a murderous weapon.
This is definitely a freak accident that will send chills down your spine. A 25-year old lorry driver seemingly lost control of his vehicle, mounted a kerb and hit the railings on the pavement before ploughing into pedestrians near Yio Chu Kang MRT Station. The lorry only stopped after it hit an SBS bus and subsequently, a bollard. This incident took the lives of three victims, where two of them had to be extricated from underneath the lorry.
While the driver has been arrested for dangerous driving causing death, the tragedy that happened cannot be reversed. It reminds us the fact that one must always be cautious while driving, as a momentary lapse of control can easily result in a machine weighing more than a ton to become a murderous weapon.
3. Two killed and one injured along Bukit Timah Road
A silver Toyota Hiace van was speeding along Bukit Timah Road when it mounted a kerb on the left side of the road and crashed near KK Women's and Children's Hospital. The front end of the van was severely damaged, while the body of it was contorted, indicating an exceptionally strong impact.
Two men aged 25 and 42 who were passengers in the van were killed in the accident while the 25-year old driver was injured. While many may think that they are able to control their vehicle at high speed, all it takes is a slight blunder for things to end badly. Car accidents are often nasty enough, and speeding can easily make them an unfortunate fatal event. Depending on how much higher than the speed limits, you can be fined from $130 and 4 demerit points (for exceeding 1-20 km/h) to $170 and 8 demerit points (for exceeding 31-40km/h), for any higher speeds, the offender will be prosecuted in court.
A silver Toyota Hiace van was speeding along Bukit Timah Road when it mounted a kerb on the left side of the road and crashed near KK Women's and Children's Hospital. The front end of the van was severely damaged, while the body of it was contorted, indicating an exceptionally strong impact.
Two men aged 25 and 42 who were passengers in the van were killed in the accident while the 25-year old driver was injured. While many may think that they are able to control their vehicle at high speed, all it takes is a slight blunder for things to end badly. Car accidents are often nasty enough, and speeding can easily make them an unfortunate fatal event. Depending on how much higher than the speed limits, you can be fined from $130 and 4 demerit points (for exceeding 1-20 km/h) to $170 and 8 demerit points (for exceeding 31-40km/h), for any higher speeds, the offender will be prosecuted in court.
4. Woman killed in collision between car and SMRT bus
Another notable accident this year, a 23-year old woman died after the car she was travelling in collided with an SMRT bus. The accident occurred when the black Mercedes the victim was in crashed into the SMRT bus while making a right turn to enter the Pan-Island Expressway from Jalan Anak Bukit.
This incident and the one at Clementi road, brought discretionary right turns to the centre stage. An online petition was even started to strive for the removal of such signal junctions. Subsequently, LTA announced the plans to introduce right turn green arrows for the majority of Singapore's junctions in a bid to prevent such incidents from reoccurring in the future.
Another notable accident this year, a 23-year old woman died after the car she was travelling in collided with an SMRT bus. The accident occurred when the black Mercedes the victim was in crashed into the SMRT bus while making a right turn to enter the Pan-Island Expressway from Jalan Anak Bukit.
This incident and the one at Clementi road, brought discretionary right turns to the centre stage. An online petition was even started to strive for the removal of such signal junctions. Subsequently, LTA announced the plans to introduce right turn green arrows for the majority of Singapore's junctions in a bid to prevent such incidents from reoccurring in the future.
5. Motorcyclist loses control in Upper Jurong road
A motorcyclist was found lying motionless along with his badly damaged motorcycle on a grass patch in Upper Jurong road, he was pronounced dead by the paramedics on the scene. The accident which took the rider's life occurred when he lost control and was thrown off his bike.
It is often said that riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving and that is true to a certain extent. Unlike drivers who are protected by the metal body of the car, motorcyclists are exposed to the elements and face a much higher risk of getting severely injured or dying in a crash. Needless to say, everyone has a part in road safety. Not only should motorcyclists ride safely, drivers should also do their part and keep a lookout for this vulnerable group of road users.
A motorcyclist was found lying motionless along with his badly damaged motorcycle on a grass patch in Upper Jurong road, he was pronounced dead by the paramedics on the scene. The accident which took the rider's life occurred when he lost control and was thrown off his bike.
It is often said that riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving and that is true to a certain extent. Unlike drivers who are protected by the metal body of the car, motorcyclists are exposed to the elements and face a much higher risk of getting severely injured or dying in a crash. Needless to say, everyone has a part in road safety. Not only should motorcyclists ride safely, drivers should also do their part and keep a lookout for this vulnerable group of road users.
6. Three injured in Sentosa crash involving a Lamborghini
The scene of a bright yellow Lamborghini on its roof is surely an eye-catching sight. The Lamborghini driver, his passenger and the driver of a Toyota Estima that were involved in the accident were injured and sent to the hospital. How the Lamborghini flipped on a seemingly narrow and short section of the road is the first thought that comes across most minds when they first saw the photos circulated through various social media platforms.
Clearly, even high performance supercars aren't immune to accidents despite their high level of engineering, which allows them to reach extreme speeds.
The scene of a bright yellow Lamborghini on its roof is surely an eye-catching sight. The Lamborghini driver, his passenger and the driver of a Toyota Estima that were involved in the accident were injured and sent to the hospital. How the Lamborghini flipped on a seemingly narrow and short section of the road is the first thought that comes across most minds when they first saw the photos circulated through various social media platforms.
Clearly, even high performance supercars aren't immune to accidents despite their high level of engineering, which allows them to reach extreme speeds.
7. More than 30 injured in collision between SBS and SMRT bus
An SBS bus crashed into an SMRT bus at a bus stop in Bukit Batok, causing 34 people to be injured in the incident. The front windscreen of the SBS bus was smashed and its front bumper was damaged as well. It can be seen that a safety bollard broke the impact and stopped the bus from crashing into the bus stop.
Such an incident emphasises the importance of safety when it comes to public transportation services as any incident will affect a large number of people who are in the vehicle.
An SBS bus crashed into an SMRT bus at a bus stop in Bukit Batok, causing 34 people to be injured in the incident. The front windscreen of the SBS bus was smashed and its front bumper was damaged as well. It can be seen that a safety bollard broke the impact and stopped the bus from crashing into the bus stop.
Such an incident emphasises the importance of safety when it comes to public transportation services as any incident will affect a large number of people who are in the vehicle.
8. Lorry crashes into a walkway
A lorry mounted the kerb and crashed into a sheltered walkway along Serangoon road, destroying the roof. The 34-year old driver who was trapped in his vehicle needed to be released with the help of SCDF officers, and was arrested for drink driving.
Drink driving is an extremely irresponsible act that will not only ruin your life, but others on the road as well. It also comes with harsh penalties such as fines of up to $5000 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months upon the first offence. Your driver's license will also be suspended for a minimum of 12 months.
A lorry mounted the kerb and crashed into a sheltered walkway along Serangoon road, destroying the roof. The 34-year old driver who was trapped in his vehicle needed to be released with the help of SCDF officers, and was arrested for drink driving.
Drink driving is an extremely irresponsible act that will not only ruin your life, but others on the road as well. It also comes with harsh penalties such as fines of up to $5000 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months upon the first offence. Your driver's license will also be suspended for a minimum of 12 months.
9. Two men trapped in lorry after a chain collision
Two men were trapped in a lorry after a chain collision on the Ayer Rajar Expressway, which involved two tipper trucks, a trailer and the aforementioned lorry. The trapped men had to be extricated by SCDF officers using hydraulic rescue tools. One of them suffered an open fracture on his left leg, while the other had minor leg injuries.
Many chain collisions occur due to sudden movements on the road, which does not allow the approaching vehicle to react in time, or when vehicles follow too closely. While accidents can't be totally avoided, keeping a safe following distance and staying alert may just get you out of trouble. It will also be a good practice to signal your intentions and avoid abrupt movements such as lane changing, to avoid being the cause of a chain collision.
Two men were trapped in a lorry after a chain collision on the Ayer Rajar Expressway, which involved two tipper trucks, a trailer and the aforementioned lorry. The trapped men had to be extricated by SCDF officers using hydraulic rescue tools. One of them suffered an open fracture on his left leg, while the other had minor leg injuries.
Many chain collisions occur due to sudden movements on the road, which does not allow the approaching vehicle to react in time, or when vehicles follow too closely. While accidents can't be totally avoided, keeping a safe following distance and staying alert may just get you out of trouble. It will also be a good practice to signal your intentions and avoid abrupt movements such as lane changing, to avoid being the cause of a chain collision.
10. Woman dies after husband accidentally drives into her
In a truly tragic accident, a 64-year old woman died after her husband accidentally reversed into her at Blk 332 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1. After hitting her, the husband panicked and drove into a nearby pillar, toppling two parked motorbikes.
This is a stark reminder that vehicles are dangerous machines that has the ability to easily take lives when mishandled. It further highlights the need to drive safely as a moment of mistake can become a lifetime of regret when things go wrong.
While some accidents are unavoidable, we should all do our part to stay sharp and drive carefully to keep us all safe and sound.
In a truly tragic accident, a 64-year old woman died after her husband accidentally reversed into her at Blk 332 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1. After hitting her, the husband panicked and drove into a nearby pillar, toppling two parked motorbikes.
This is a stark reminder that vehicles are dangerous machines that has the ability to easily take lives when mishandled. It further highlights the need to drive safely as a moment of mistake can become a lifetime of regret when things go wrong.
While some accidents are unavoidable, we should all do our part to stay sharp and drive carefully to keep us all safe and sound.
