A 30-year-old Singaporean man has been sentenced to almost seven years in prison after driving under the influence of etomidate, commonly associated with Kpods, and crashing into two elderly pedestrians in Choa Chu Kang.
The accident, which happened in November 2025, claimed the life of an 83-year-old woman and left another elderly pedestrian with serious injuries.
Lim Jinsheng was sentenced on November 11, 2026, to six years, nine months and 15 weeks’ imprisonment. He will also be banned from driving for 14 years after his release.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to seven charges, including reckless driving causing death, driving under the influence of illegal substances and possessing etomidate.
Witness Saw Car Weaving Before Fatal Collision
According to court documents, Lim was driving a rental car along the Bukit Timah Expressway on November 8, 2025, when another motorist noticed his vehicle moving erratically from side to side within its lane.
A passenger in the other vehicle also observed Lim repeatedly nodding his head.
The witness continued following the car as both vehicles travelled in the same direction.
At around 2.51pm, Lim stopped at a T-junction along Teck Whye Lane towards Choa Chu Kang Road, despite the road ahead being clear.
At the time, two elderly women, aged 83 and 84, were preparing to cross the road.
Lim’s vehicle suddenly accelerated towards them, mounted the kerb and struck both women, sending them to the ground.
Even after the collision, the car reportedly continued accelerating, with its wheels spinning.
When the witness approached Lim and asked him to get out, he appeared unresponsive.
A passer-by subsequently described him as being in a “zombie” state and holding a vape device.
One Victim Died, Another Suffered Fractures
Both women were rushed to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital following the accident.
Unfortunately, the 83-year-old victim later died from her injuries. She had suffered multiple cuts, bruises and abrasions across her head, torso and limbs.
The other victim, aged 84, sustained fractures to her left hip and left wrist.
Lim was arrested on the same day, with subsequent blood tests detecting etomidate in his system.
He claimed he had blacked out after reaching for his water bottle while driving. He also recalled seeing stars and experiencing ringing in his ears.
However, the investigation uncovered a series of earlier traffic incidents involving him.
Previous Accidents Before Fatal Crash
The November collision was not Lim’s first driving-related incident.
On July 5, 2025, his vehicle mounted a kerb along Yishun Avenue 8 before hitting a lamp post and directional sign. He told police he had been tired and lost concentration while driving.
The damage to government property was estimated at S$1,950.
Less than two weeks later, on July 16, he rear-ended another vehicle along the Central Expressway at around 11pm.
The 41-year-old driver suffered head discomfort and was given three days of medical leave.
In August 2025, Lim was also involved in another incident after driving under the influence of etomidate and striking a traffic light pole and road signage at the junction of Bedok North Avenue 3 and Bedok North Road.
Police subsequently discovered two Kpods in his shorts pocket and another 38 in his bag.
Although Lim claimed he had blacked out because of low blood sugar, paramedics found his blood sugar levels to be normal. Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of etomidate in his blood.
Prosecution Says He Had Multiple Chances To Change
During sentencing submissions, prosecutors argued that Lim had repeatedly demonstrated dangerous driving behaviour despite having several opportunities to stop.
They pointed out that he had committed traffic-related offences on at least four occasions within five months.
The prosecution noted that his earlier incidents had not resulted in serious injuries largely due to luck, but his final act of reckless driving ultimately cost an innocent woman her life.
It sought a prison sentence of between six and seven years, nine to 13 months, and seven to nine weeks, alongside a driving disqualification of between 12 and 14 years.
According to The Straits Times, Lim’s lawyer agreed that the sentence sought by the prosecution was fair.
An apology written by Lim was also read out in court.
In it, he expressed remorse over the incident, acknowledging that his actions had resulted in devastating consequences.
He wrote: “This accident happened because I did things without realising the grave consequences and no words will ever describe how sorry and guilty I am.”
Lim was ultimately sentenced to six years, nine months and 15 weeks behind bars, with a 14-year driving ban upon his release.