A tragic accident that occurred on November 8, 2023, along the East Coast Parkway (ECP) has taken a new turn as Eldaniz Ibishov, a 38-year-old Russian man, faces an additional charge related to the incident.
The accident resulted in the death of freelance delivery rider Muhammad Nurhilmi Atan, 27. Ibishov was initially accused of causing the accident, but the recent charge suggests that he remained on the expressway, violating the Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules, according to The Straits Times.
The Accident
On the fateful day, Ibishov allegedly jumped out of a moving vehicle on the ECP at around 11 am. This sudden action led to a nearby lorry coming to a sudden halt. Unfortunately, Muhammad Nurhilmi Atan, who was riding his motorcycle, collided with the rear of the lorry.
Muhammad Nurhilmi Atan suffered multiple injuries in the accident and was unconscious when rushed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries later that day.
New Charge and Legal Implications
The recent charge against Ibishov pertains to him allegedly remaining on the expressway after jumping out of the vehicle. This offence falls under the Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules.
If found guilty of causing grievous hurt to another person by performing a rash act, Ibishov could face a maximum jail term of up to four years and a fine of up to $10,000. The additional charge related to the expressway rules carries its own legal implications. A first-time offender under the Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules can be jailed for up to three months or fined up to $1,000, while a repeat offender may face imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of up to $2,000.
Ibishov’s pre-trial conference is scheduled for January 16, where further details about the case may emerge. The court documents have not provided information about the motive behind Ibishov’s alleged actions on the day of the accident.
Recap
At approximately 11:05 am on Wednesday (8 November), the police received a distress call about a multi-vehicle collision on the ECP, specifically along the route towards the Marina Coastal Expressway. The collision involved a minibus, a lorry, and a motorcycle, setting the stage for a grave turn of events, according to Channel NewsAsia.
The motorcyclist, identified as 27-year-old freelance delivery rider, Muhammad Nurhilmi Atan, was found unconscious and rushed to the hospital. Despite all efforts, his life couldn’t be saved, as the police sadly confirmed the next day.
Additionally, there was purportedly a 15 to 20-minute delay after the crash before anyone stepped in to help, according to the minibus driver.
The plot thickens as details emerge about a 38-year-old passenger who, inexplicably, decided to jump out of the moving minibus while it was navigating the expressway.
The Passenger’s Reckless Act
The Singapore Civil Defence Force swiftly responded to the distress call. At the scene, they encountered a motorcyclist in dire need of medical attention.
In a heartening display of humanity, other drivers who witnessed the accident stopped to help. They performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the injured motorcyclist.
CNA reported that the passenger who jumped out of the minibus, was subsequently arrested after the accident.