2 dead, 4 injured in serious car accident outside Lucky Plaza; driver arrested

SINGAPORE - Two female pedestrians were killed and several left injured after a car crashed onto a side road at Lucky Plaza in Orchard Road on Sunday (Dec 29) afternoon.

Several eyewitnesses told The Straits Times that the car had crashed through a metal railing and landed on the side road next to the mall, hitting several people in the process.

When contacted, the police said they were alerted at 4.58pm to an accident involving a car and six female pedestrians, aged between 37 and 56, along Orchard Road.

"Two pedestrians, aged 41 and 50, were unconscious when conveyed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital where they later died from their injuries. Four pedestrians, aged 37 to 56, were conveyed conscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

"The 64-year-old male driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death. Police investigations are ongoing."

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it received a call at about 5pm requesting assistance at 304 Orchard Road, and dispatched five ambulances.

It said six casualties were taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, with four of them suffering serious injuries.

In response to queries, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs said: "The Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs is checking the latest information about this tragic accident with our embassy, and all assistance will be provided to the victims."

Photos circulated online earlier in the day show a black car on a side road next to the mall, with at least two people lying nearby. A person appears to be pinned under the vehicle.

According to a video online, a stretch of the metal railing above the side road looks badly damaged.

It also shows a number of people looking injured and receiving help from others at different spots around the area.

Lucky Plaza mall is known to be popular with foreign workers, especially foreign domestic workers from the Philippines.

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Domestic helpers Rosemarie Reyes, 41, and Liza Niez, 47, were having a gathering across the road from where the accident took place.

They said the injured were fellow Filipino workers who were having a picnic beside the railing when they were hit by the car.

One of them was trapped under the vehicle. A group of bystanders lifted the vehicle to rescue her, said Ms Reyes.

“I heard loud screams when the accident happened, and we were all scared. Everyone ran over and some rushed to help, including giving CPR,” she added.

A 30-year-old technician, who wanted to be known as Swamy, was among those who helped to lift the car.

The foreign worker from India said he was smoking in the area when he heard a loud sound.

A group of about six of them lifted the car, and another two pulled the woman out from underneath the vehicle.

A fellow Filipino then performed CPR on her, he said. Other passers-by checked on the victims.

“I wanted to help where I can. It would be good if we can save at least one of the injured,” he said.

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In a statement, the Centre for Domestic Employees said it was distressed to learn of the accident and is working with the authorities and embassy to render assistance to the victims.

“Our officers are at the hospital currently, and found out that all the six victims are Filipino domestic workers, and two of them tragically lost their lives.

“We will be getting in touch with the employers and next-of-kin to find out the support they require, and stand ready to render assistance,” it said.

The centre also urged the public not to circulate any photos or videos of the accident, and not to speculate while investigations are ongoing, out of respect for the victims and their families.

This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.