Tampines accident: Driver charged in court with 4 offences including dangerous driving causing death

A 42-year-old man was charged in court with four offences on Thursday morning (April 25) for his involvement in Monday's multi-vehicle accident in Tampines that killed two people.

Muhammad Syafie Ismail, who appeared in court with his right arm in a sling, was charged with dangerous driving causing death; dangerous driving causing hurt; dangerous driving; and failing to stop after an accident.

He might face additional charges, said the prosecutor, who asked for a four-week adjournment for investigations to be completed and a medical report to be ready.

According to a police statement released on Wednesday, investigations are ongoing for other potential offences.

Syafie was placed on bail of $30,000 with these conditions: He must not have any contact with any of the prosecution witnesses, must report to the investigation officer when required, and be electronically tagged.

Though his passport had been seized, the prosecutor noted: "In view of the seriousness of the offence, the prosecution requires an e-tag for monitoring as well as if there's any flight risk."

Syafie objected and said: “I don’t think it’s necessary to put an e-tag on me. All my documents, my passport, have been seized by the police. I’m on bail and am present today, and will be present for all the court matters. But it is up to the court to make the decision.”

Pointing to the charge of failing to stop after an accident, the prosecutor suggested that it showed "poor conduct" and "an element of flight risk".

A bail review is scheduled on Friday and a pre-trial conference on June 7.

The accident, which occurred at the junction of Tampines Avenue 1 and Tampines Avenue 4, involved four cars, a van and a minibus. 

According to the police, a speeding vehicle crashed into three cars, a van and a minibus, reported The Straits Times.

Syafie, who was taken to the hospital after the accident, was discharged on Wednesday and arrested.

His driving licence had also been suspended with immediate effect, the police said in a statement. 

A 17-year-old student at Temasek Junior College and a 57-year-old woman died in the hospital. Other than Syafie, five other people, including two 11-year-old boys, were also taken to the hospital.

The offence of dangerous driving causing death carries a jail term of between two and eight years, as well as disqualification from driving all classes of vehicles.

The offence of dangerous driving causing hurt carries a fine of up to S$10,000, or jail for up to two years, or both, as well as disqualification from driving all classes of vehicles.

Those found guilty of dangerous driving face a fine of up to S$5,000, a jail term of up to 12 months, or both.

The offence of failing to stop after an accident carries a fine of up to S$1,000, or an imprisonment term of up to three months, or both for each of the offences.

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