Man, 22, allegedly drove deregistered car while high on drugs before reversing into petrol station worker who later died

A 22-year-old man is set to be charged in Singapore after allegedly driving a deregistered vehicle without a valid licence while under the influence of drugs, before reversing into a petrol station attendant who later died from his injuries.

The incident happened at about 3.55am on Aug. 6 at a petrol station along Upper Changi Road North, according to the Singapore Police Force (SPF).

Police said the man had driven to the petrol station, where a 69-year-old male attendant approached the vehicle to refuel it.

Driver allegedly reversed suddenly

The man then allegedly got back into the vehicle and reversed abruptly.

In the process, the open driver’s side door struck the attendant, causing him to fall and hit his head.

The 69-year-old victim was taken to hospital while unconscious. He subsequently died on Aug. 7.

The circumstances have since led to multiple serious charges being brought against the younger man, including allegations relating to drug-impaired driving and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Man allegedly fled with female passenger

Following the collision, the man allegedly abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene together with a female passenger.

Traffic Police officers later established the identities of the pair through ground enquiries, police cameras and CCTV footage.

Both were arrested on Aug. 6.

Police said the man was arrested for driving without due care and attention causing death, driving under the influence of drugs and suspected drug-related offences.

The 22-year-old female passenger was also arrested. She is suspected of consuming a controlled drug and allegedly abetting the driver in the traffic-related offences. Investigations into her case are ongoing.

Vehicle found to be deregistered

Preliminary investigations also revealed that the vehicle allegedly used by the man had been deregistered.

Police said the man did not possess a valid driving licence.

The vehicle has since been seized by Traffic Police, while the suspected drug-related offences have been referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau for further investigation.

The man is expected to be charged in court on Aug. 8.

The charges he faces include driving without due care and attention causing death, driving under the influence of drugs and driving a motor vehicle without a valid driving licence.

He is also accused of using a vehicle without insurance coverage, using a deregistered vehicle and using a vehicle without a vehicle licence.

Additional charges include allegedly failing to stop after an accident and failing to render assistance following the collision.

Police warn about dangers of deregistered vehicles

The SPF warned that deregistered vehicles can pose serious risks to other road users because they do not have insurance coverage and may not meet required safety standards.

According to police, these dangers can become even greater when such vehicles are driven by people who are unlicensed or underage.

The Traffic Police urged members of the public to report suspected cases involving deregistered vehicles or unlicensed drivers.

Police also stressed that it takes a serious view of irresponsible driving behaviour that puts other people’s lives at risk.

The case is now before the courts, and the allegations against the accused have not been proven at this stage.