Fatal accident in Tampines: 42-year-old driver involved in crash charged with four offences, including dangerous driving causing death
Muhammad Syafie Ismail faces legal action after a collision in Tampines on 22 April that killed two and injured others
SINGAPORE — The driver involved in a six-vehicle crash in Tampines that resulted in the deaths of two individuals was handed four charges on Thursday (25 April).
English Daily The Straits Times reported that Muhammad Syafie Ismail, 42, was formally charged with dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing hurt, dangerous driving and failing to stop after an accident.
He was offered bail of $30,000 and must also not have any contact with any prosecution witnesses.
The Straits Times reported that, during his appearance at the State Courts around 8.30am, Syafie, with his arm in a sling, was escorted by the police and an Aetos officer.
His case began around 10am, where he stood before the judge expressionless. When asked by the judge if he wished to speak, Syafie said he would engage a lawyer.
The prosecution requested for Syafie to be electronically tagged for monitoring, noting that he could be a flight risk.
Syafie responded, saying that he believed such monitoring was unnecessary as the police had seized his documents, including his passport.
"I'm on bail and am already present today and will be present for all the court matters. But it is up to the court to make the decision," he added.
What potential legal consequences await?
Those convicted of dangerous driving causing death can be jailed between two and eight years and be disqualified from driving.
The offence of dangerous driving causing hurt carries a penalty of up to two years' jail, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
The offence of dangerous driving carries a penalty of up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
In the case of failing to stop after an accident, an offender can face a fine of up to $1,000, a maximum jail term of three months, or both.
Syafie was arrested on Wednesday after being discharged from the hospital, with his driving licence immediately suspended.
The police said investigations are ongoing for other potential offences.
Two killed, others injured in Tampines crash
The crash involving four cars, a van, and a minibus occurred on 22 April at the junction of Tampines Avenue 1 and Avenue 4.
The accident killed two individuals, Norzihan Juwahib, 57, and Afifah Munirah Muhammad Azril, 17, both of whom were laid to rest at Choa Chu Kang Muslim Cemetery on 23 April.
Afifah, a first-year student at Temasek Junior College, was travelling in a car with her father, Muhammad Azril, a Police Coast Guard officer, on their way to her school's annual cross-country event.
According to The Straits Times, the impact of the crash caused their car to overturn, with its doors flung open.
Muhammad Azril sustained kidney- and spine-related injuries and was taken to hospital.
Another victim, Norzihan, was a passenger in a van on the way to her workplace when the collision occurred.
She had been a senior technician at First Choice Pest Specialist, a pest control firm, for about a decade.
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