A horrifying and shocking accident previously took place back in December 23, 2021, along Tampines that killed a Gojek driver and injured 6 other people after a drunk driver sped at speeds of between 157km/hr and 169km/hr on a road with a speed limit of 60km/hr.
The drunk driver, 35-year-old Jeremiah Ng En You, pleaded guilty to one count of drink driving and another count of causing the death of the 59-year-old Gojek driver, and he was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment on Friday, with three other charges also being taken into consideration during his sentencing, and he is also banned from driving for 12 years upon his prison release, according to The Straits Times.
However, Ng is appealing against his sentence and is currently out on bail, pending the hearing of his appeal, according to a court judgment.
The Tragic Incident
Jeremiah Ng En You, a 35-year-old man, was driving his twin brother’s Mercedes-Benz when he plowed into several vehicles that had stopped at a red light.
The impact of the collision resulted in the death of a 59-year-old Gojek driver and injuries to six other individuals. This unfortunate incident unfolded late at night when Ng was under the influence of alcohol.
The Offender and the Consequences
Before the accident, Ng had consumed a significant amount of alcohol, with 42 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol in 100ml of breath, surpassing the prescribed limit of 35 mcg.
As he got behind the wheel, he was driving at alarming speeds, reaching between 157kmh and 169kmh, despite the road’s speed limit being only 60kmh.
Tragically, the accident caused significant harm to those involved. One of the Gojek driver’s passengers had glass removed from his face, while another passenger suffered a mild head injury and several wounds.
The motorcyclist involved in the accident sustained a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures, leading to a 66-day hospitalization.
Additionally, the driver of the second car endured bruises and was granted three days’ medical leave, and the taxi driver complained of pain in his right hand and received five days’ medical leave.
Judge called it one of the worst accidents in recent memory
The judge presiding over the case, District Judge Salina Ishak, described this incident as “tragic and horrific,” and agreed with the prosecution that it was one of the worst in recent memory.
She emphasized the devastating impact of irresponsible driving under the influence of alcohol, highlighting the 2019 amendments to the Road Traffic Act aimed at deterring such behavior.
The judge noted that not only does such negligence lead to fatalities, but it can also result in long-term problems, including medical issues and permanent disabilities for survivors.