A night of casual browsing at a Geylang pasar malam turned tragic when a car ploughed through a makeshift stall, killing a 66-year-old woman instantly. The fatal crash, which took place late on the night of 11 July, has left the community in shock and raised serious concerns about safety at public events.
Chaos at Circuit Road as Car Crashes Into Stall
The incident occurred around 11.45pm near Block 52A Circuit Road, an area known for hosting bustling night markets. According to police, the vehicle – reportedly a GetGo rental car – smashed into the pasar malam stall, hitting the woman and causing massive damage to the surrounding area.
Photos circulated on Facebook showed the aftermath of the horrific crash: the car wrecked at the base of a staircase, surrounded by toppled tables, foam boxes, and spilled food items. Blood was seen on the ground, and debris was scattered across the walkway.
Woman Pronounced Dead at the Scene
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded swiftly, but it was too late. The elderly victim, who was likely a passerby or a stall assistant, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Her identity has not been officially released, but neighbours and stallholders expressed grief and disbelief over her sudden death.
The car’s 40-year-old male driver was arrested on the spot. He now faces multiple charges, including dangerous driving causing death, and driving without a valid licence and insurance. These are serious offences under Singapore’s Road Traffic Act, carrying the potential for hefty jail time and fines.
Public Outcry Over Unlicensed Drivers
As police investigations continue, the public is raising questions about how the man was able to rent and drive a car without proper credentials. It is not yet confirmed how he gained access to the vehicle, but authorities are expected to probe GetGo’s security checks and rental protocols.
This incident has triggered a wave of concern among Singaporeans, especially regarding the safety of pasar malams and public venues, which are often crowded and minimally barricaded. Some netizens have called for stricter enforcement, such as barriers between roads and pedestrian areas, especially near pop-up markets or community events.
Others questioned the effectiveness of current background checks for car-sharing platforms. “If this guy can drive without licence, imagine how many others out there also doing the same,” wrote one Facebook user.
Calls for Safer Streets as Investigation Continues
While Singapore’s roads are generally safe, such rare yet deadly incidents remind the public of how fast things can spiral out of control. The woman’s untimely death has not only devastated her family but also left pasar malam vendors shaken.
The police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing, and updates will be provided when available. Meanwhile, residents of Circuit Road are mourning the tragic loss and wondering if this could have been prevented.
“One moment she was here, next moment gone,” a stallholder told a local reporter. “We just want more protection and responsibility from drivers.”
As Singapore continues to embrace car-sharing and pop-up events, this heartbreaking incident underscores the need for greater regulation, safer urban planning, and stricter driving enforcement – before another innocent life is lost.