No matter what time of the year it is, it is always important for both drivers and motorcyclists to exercise caution while on the road.
Prioritising your safety is key not only for yourself but for the well-being of fellow road users.
Unfortunately, a tragic chain collision occurred on Woodlands Road, resulting in the untimely death of a 28-year-old motorcyclist.
This unfortunate incident occurred at the Woodlands Road and Mandai Estate intersection on Saturday (16 December 2023).
The collision involved a total of seven vehicles, including motorcycles and heavy vehicles such as trucks and lorries.
The young motorcyclist lost his life after being trapped beneath a lorry during the accident, said an SCDF spokesman.
28YO Motorcyclist in Woodlands Road Accident Was a Mechanic
The unfortunate motorcyclist who lost his life in the accident was just 28 years old at the time of his death.
On Sunday (17 December 2023), the victim’s 30-year-old brother-in-law shared some insights about the deceased with Shin Min Daily News.
It was revealed that the motorcyclist worked as a mechanic near the accident location and was on his way to have lunch when the tragic incident occurred.
Within his family, he is the third child among four siblings. Their father passed away some time ago, leaving behind their mother.
Wife and Mother Grieved, Couldn’t Come to Claim the Body from Mortuary
At the accident site on Saturday, a man and woman in their twenties, believed to be relatives of the motorcyclist, arrived to identify the deceased.
Shin Min reported that they hugged each other for support while crying, creating a heart-wrenching scene.
It has been brought to light that the 28-year-old motorcyclist, who was pronounced dead at the scene, had only been married for two months prior to the accident.
According to his brother-in-law, the young couple entered their married life on 16 October 2023, exactly two months before the fateful incident.
His wife and mother were reportedly overcome with grief to the extent that they were unable to claim his body at the mortuary. Eight or nine other family members were present to collect the body from the mortuary on Sunday.
His brother-in-law explained that the two women were too devastated to accompany them.
A 54-year-old male truck driver was arrested by the police for careless driving, causing the death of the motorcyclist.
While the motorcyclist tragically lost his life in the seven-vehicle pile-up, four others, aged between 22 and 54, sustained injuries.
Rescue personnel had to employ hydraulic rescue equipment to extricate the driver of another lorry who was trapped in his seat.
According to an SCDF spokesman, he and the other three injured individuals were conscious when they were transported to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital for treatment.
Two of the drivers involved in the accident were uninjured.
At the scene, a 25-year-old motorcyclist, identified as Mr Lu, said that the outcome could have been different.
Speaking to Shin Min, he said that he had stopped at a traffic light when he suddenly noticed a truck approaching from behind at high speed without emitting any warning sounds or attempting to brake.
Thankfully, the truck narrowly missed him but collided with a lorry positioned further ahead, which happened to be driven by his friend.
Although he couldn’t fathom how the truck managed to evade him, the harrowing experience left him deeply shaken.
He realised that he too, could have been a victim had the truck struck him.