Woman tosses handbag out of moving car, causes 5-vehicle collision on CTE

No, it wasn't a game of Mario Kart, an obstacle was indeed tossed onto the roads in Singapore on Sunday (Jan 12) afternoon.

Motorists on the Central Expressway (CTE) were stunned when a red handbag was thrown out of a champagne Hyundai.

It forced drivers behind the car to e-brake, but it wasn't enough to avoid a chain collision involving five vehicles travelling on the rightmost lane.

Dashboard footage from another driver travelling behind the car showed its rear passenger door was left open as the car drove towards Seletar Expressway (SLE).

Other drivers slowed down upon noticing the car's open door, with one of them calling the police for assistance.

A witness told 8world he saw the Hyundai's unusual behaviour on the road, and had intended to switch lanes when the handbag was tossed out of the car.

The Hyundai later slowed down to a stop.

According to the witness, an agitated young woman exited the car and was heard scolding the female driver who stayed in her seat until the police arrived at the scene. The pair are believed to be a mum who had a quarrel with her daughter in the car.

Her behaviour had put others in danger, the witness said, adding that there were children travelling in the cars involved in the accident.

The 21-year-old was later handcuffed and taken away by the police.

She was arrested under Section 7 of the Mental Health Act where one "is believed to be dangerous to himself or other persons by reason of mental disorder."

The police said that no injuries were reported. Investigations are on-going.

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lamminlee@asiaone.com