A 74-year-old driver was arrested for suspected drink-driving after a frightening series of crashes in Ubi left cyclists scrambling for safety and one man hospitalised.
The incident unfolded on Wednesday evening (20 May) at the junction of Ubi Avenue 2 and Ubi Road 3, where a black car allegedly ran a red light before mounting a kerb and driving directly towards a group of cyclists waiting near a pedestrian crossing.
Videos circulating online showed cyclists abandoning their bicycles and fleeing in panic as the vehicle sped onto the footpath. Moments later, the car smashed through a road barrier and knocked over a traffic light pole, causing debris to scatter across the junction.
Cyclists Forced To Scatter As Car Charges Towards Footpath
According to footage shared online, the traffic light was reportedly red for vehicles travelling straight along Ubi Road 3 at the time of the incident. However, the black car continued through the junction at speed instead of stopping.
The situation escalated rapidly when the vehicle veered towards a pedestrian waiting area occupied by several cyclists and pedestrians. Some cyclists were seen jumping away from their bicycles seconds before the car ploughed through the area.
At least one bicycle appeared to be crushed beneath the vehicle during the chaos.
Witnesses could be heard shouting in shock as the incident unfolded, with one camcar passenger exclaiming in disbelief after seeing the car smash through roadside structures.
Taxi Rammed Twice Before Driver Flees Scene
After crashing into the traffic light pole, the vehicle reportedly swerved and slammed into a stationary taxi waiting nearby.
The driver then reversed and rammed into the taxi a second time before speeding away from the scene. Videos suggested the car was later driven against the flow of traffic along Ubi Road 3.
The Singapore Police Force said officers were alerted to the accident at about 8.10pm. The incident involved three cars and a bicycle.
A 39-year-old male cyclist was conveyed conscious to Changi General Hospital for medical treatment. The Singapore Civil Defence Force confirmed that one person was taken to hospital.
Police also confirmed that the 74-year-old male driver was arrested for suspected drink-driving. Investigations are ongoing.
Growing Concerns Over Elderly Drivers & Road Safety
The dramatic incident has sparked fresh discussion online about road safety and elderly drivers in Singapore, especially after footage of the near-miss spread widely across social media platforms.
While authorities have not disclosed the driver’s blood alcohol level or the cause of the erratic driving, many netizens expressed relief that the situation did not result in more serious injuries or fatalities.
The incident also highlights the dangers cyclists and pedestrians continue to face at busy Singapore junctions, particularly in industrial areas such as Ubi where heavy traffic is common during evening hours.
Police investigations are ongoing.