The haunting memories of a tragic traffic accident in Tanjong Pagar two years ago resurfaced on Friday (15 Dec) when a red car crashed into a lamppost near the site of the Chinese New Year tragedy.
The incident unfolded with a familiar sense of dread as police arrested the driver and a passenger for suspected drug offences, evoking concerns about road safety in the area.
The Echoes of Chinese New Year Tragedy
The accident occurred along Tanjong Pagar Road, merely 140 meters from the site of the fatal crash on the second day of Chinese New Year in 2021. A BMW crashed into a shophouse, resulting in the death of five individuals and injuring another, according to 8World News.
A witness named Mr. Song reported hearing screeching brakes and a loud impact around 5 am on Friday. Upon investigating at 7 am, he discovered the aftermath of a red car crashing into a lamppost near a Korean restaurant at 81 Tanjong Pagar Road. The witness hypothesized that the car hit a metal pole, spun around, and came to rest in its current position.
Another witness, Ms. Chen, claimed to have seen three or four passengers fleeing the scene after the crash. The police managed to apprehend one of them, a woman with light brown hair, who was later seen handcuffed and engaged in conversation with law enforcement officers.
@8world.news 超速开车不理警方叫停反加速逃离，涉及今天（15日）凌晨丹戎巴葛车祸的一男一女因疑似涉毒被捕。#sgnews #8worldnews #丹戎巴葛 #丹戎巴葛意外 #tanjongpagaraccident #tanjongpagar ♬ original sound – 8视界新闻网
Rescue Operation and Debris Cleanup
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) conducted a rescue operation to extract the unconscious male driver from the wreckage. The driver was then rushed to the hospital for medical attention. After the police concluded their investigation at the scene, construction workers were observed removing the damaged lamppost and cleaning up debris from the car, including parts of a headlight casing.
According to the police, officers had spotted the red car speeding along South Bridge Road at approximately 4:37 am and instructed the driver to pull over. However, the driver lost control, leading to the crash into the lamppost along Tanjong Pagar Road. Passengers reportedly fled through Tras Street, prompting arrests of the driver and a female passenger for suspected drug offences.
Community Concerns and Reminders of Past Tragedy
The recent incident has reignited concerns about road safety in Tanjong Pagar, especially given its proximity to the site of the fatal crash two years ago. The echoes of the past tragedy serve as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance and measures to enhance traffic safety in the area.