Man, 39, Says He Nearly Died After Orchard Knife Attack Left Him With Neck Wound And Fractured Cheekbone

A 39-year-old man has claimed he narrowly escaped death after being slashed in the neck and brutally assaulted during a violent altercation near Orchard Road in the early hours of July 2.

The victim, identified as Jiang Jiaji (transliterated from Chinese), said the attack occurred near Buyong Road after he had spent the evening drinking with friends.

According to Jiang, he and three friends had been socialising along Prinsep Street before deciding to continue their gathering near Cuppage Plaza at around 2am.

Argument Escalates Into Alleged Knife Attack

Jiang told Chinese-language daily Shin Min Daily News that the group was crossing a traffic junction near the Istana when they were suddenly approached by three unknown men.

He initially believed the men were speaking to one of his friends after hearing someone ask, “Are you okay?”

One of Jiang’s companions reportedly responded that everything was fine. However, the situation allegedly escalated after one of the strangers questioned why they were not moving despite the traffic light having turned green.

Moments later, violence reportedly broke out.

Jiang said one of his friends later told him that a knife was produced after a brief glance was exchanged between the two groups.

While the friend managed to avoid a more serious injury, he reportedly suffered a cut to his nose during the confrontation.

Victim Claims Neck Slash Nearly Turned Fatal

Jiang alleged that the knife-wielding attacker subsequently turned his attention to another member of the group before returning and slashing him across the neck.

The attacker then allegedly fled the scene while two other men continued assaulting him.

According to Jiang, he was repeatedly punched and kicked while bleeding heavily from his injuries.

“At first, I could still protect my head with my hands, but eventually I couldn’t resist anymore. I genuinely thought I was going to die,” he recalled.

Photographs shared with Shin Min showed the victim covered in blood while sitting by the roadside waiting for emergency assistance.

Jiang later discovered that the wound had narrowly missed a major artery in his neck.

He claimed that had the slash landed approximately three centimetres lower, it could have severed his carotid artery and resulted in fatal consequences.

Friend Also Sustained Multiple Injuries

Another member of the group reportedly suffered several cuts to his hands and face during the incident.

Jiang also shared video footage that allegedly captured two of the suspects hurling insults at the group’s only uninjured friend after the assault.

As they walked away, one of the men was reportedly heard shouting challenges and taunts towards the victims.

The victim said neither he nor his friends knew the attackers and had no prior dealings with them.

He added that he rarely stays out late and had only met up with former classmates that evening.

Jiang expressed shock that such an incident could occur in one of Singapore’s busiest entertainment districts.

He said the group had always considered Orchard Road a relatively safe area due to the heavy police presence and extensive surveillance cameras.

Three Men Charged Following Investigations

Police investigations led to the arrest of two men aged 25 and 27 on suspicion of voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous means.

A knife was also seized as evidence.

It is understood that a third suspect was later apprehended by authorities.

On July 3, three men — Badril Fitri Khasnuri, 25, Clapton Goh Jun Siong, 27, and Jason Li Zhijie, 33 — were charged in court with one count each of voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous means.

If convicted, they could face a jail term of up to seven years, a fine, caning, or a combination of these penalties.

Jiang, who suffered a fractured cheekbone and neck injuries requiring stitches, said he is expected to be unable to work for around two months as he recovers.

His hope, he said, is that those responsible will be held accountable.

“Anyone carrying a knife around in the middle of the night is extremely dangerous,” he said.

Photo from Shin Min Daily News