Tan Yu Seng, a seasoned taxi driver with a 30-year record, dozed off while waiting in a taxi stand queue, leading to a collision that claimed a life.
He was sentenced on 14 November to 4 weeks imprisonment and banned from driving for 8 years, according to Channel NewsAsia.
The Fateful Day at Paya Lebar Square
On October 4, 2021, Tan found himself at the Paya Lebar Square taxi stand. As he dozed off, he got woken up by other taxis honking at him and saw that the taxis in front of him at the queue had already driven off.
Awoken by honking, he attempted to navigate his taxi forward, but lost control of his taxi and inadvertently collided with three motorcycles and a pedestrian, setting off a chain of events that would alter lives forever.
The victim has sent flying onto the bonnet of Tan’s taxi before falling on the ground, and he was subsequently sent to hospital with multiple injuries.
The collision with motorcycles resulted in severe injuries to the 51-year-old victim, and he had to go through several surgeries but ultimately suffered complications leading to multi-organ failure and his untimely demise.
Legal Consequences for Tan Yu Seng
In the courtroom, Tan faced the consequences of his actions. Sentenced to four weeks’ jail and an eight-year driving ban, the legal system grappled with how to address a momentary lapse that resulted in such a profound loss.
The victim’s health deteriorated rapidly after the collision. Multiple surgeries couldn’t prevent complications, including pneumonia and liver cirrhosis. The autopsy revealed a stark reality—multi-organ failure caused by injuries consistent with a motor vehicle collision.
Tan’s lawyer conveyed remorse on his behalf, emphasizing the depth of regret Tan felt. The gravity of the situation and its impact on the victim’s family became apparent during Tan’s apology.