A 73-year-old woman has died after a devastating collision involving her personal mobility aid (PMA) and a lorry in Toa Payoh, prompting police investigations into both dangerous driving and suspected drug-related offences.
The fatal accident occurred along Lorong 6 Toa Payoh on Tuesday morning and drew a significant emergency response as witnesses rushed to assist the elderly victim.
Police have since arrested the 34-year-old lorry driver, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash remain ongoing.
Elderly Woman Pronounced Dead After Hospitalisation
According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), officers were alerted to the accident at around 10.15am along Lorong 6 Toa Payoh towards Lorong 1 Toa Payoh.
The collision involved a lorry and a PMA ridden by the elderly woman.
The victim was found unconscious at the scene and was transported by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Despite efforts by medical staff, the 73-year-old later succumbed to her injuries.
Images and videos circulating online showed the aftermath of the crash, with the woman lying motionless on the roadway while members of the public attempted to render assistance. Parts of her PMA were seen scattered across the road following the impact.
Witnesses Describe Violent Impact
Witnesses told local media that the collision was severe, with the victim reportedly thrown several metres into the air upon impact.
A nearby worker said the force of the crash caused parts of the PMA to break apart and scatter across the scene.
Another witness claimed the lorry had proceeded through a red traffic signal moments before the collision occurred. According to the witness, the traffic light had already turned red several seconds before the vehicle entered the junction.
These claims have not been officially verified by authorities.
The accident reportedly shocked other pedestrians who were crossing the road at the time, with several people rushing forward to help the victim while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
Driver Arrested After Discovery Of Drug Paraphernalia
Police investigations following the crash led to the arrest of the lorry driver.
SPF said the man was arrested for dangerous driving causing death as well as suspected drug-related offences after drug paraphernalia was allegedly discovered inside the vehicle.
Authorities also found items believed to be duty-unpaid cigarettes in his possession.
The suspected drug-related offences have been referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), while the customs-related matters have been handed over to Singapore Customs for further investigation.
Investigations Continue
The fatal accident has renewed attention on road safety involving vulnerable road users, including elderly riders of personal mobility aids.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the collision, and investigations remain ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the incident may be contacted by investigators as police continue to establish the full sequence of events that led to the tragedy.