When a Phone Call Meets Fate: The Tragic Tale of Toffazal
If you just heard about a tragic accident on the Pan‑Island Expressway that claimed the life of a 33‑year‑old migrant worker named Toffazal Hossain, you’ll realize that sometimes a simple conversation can turn into a heartbreaking finale.
Last Moments Over the Phone
Mr. Zahirul Islam, 34, a safety coordinator in Kranji, recalls this:
- “I called my nephew just a couple of days ago,” he says, “to see if he could fast in his dorm.”
- He remembered Toffazal’s plan to return home after paying for his mother’s open‑heart surgery—just not enough money to make the trip.
- “If he’d gone back to Bangladesh, perhaps this accident wouldn’t have happened,” Mr. Zahirul muses.
The Accident That Changed Everything
On Tuesday morning, April 20, a lorry carrying 17 migrant workers crashed into a stationary tipper truck on the expressway, claiming Toffazal’s life on the journey to a Woodlands worksite. The loss struck two families who hadn’t seen each other for over a year—thanks to circuit‑breaker measures that barred in‑person visits.
Family Ties and Silent Grief
Toffazal’s cousin, Md Saiem, told The Straits Times that he was the sole breadwinner of his family, having worked in Singapore for more than a decade. He left behind:
- his parents
- his 2‑year‑old son and wife
- three older sisters and a 27‑year‑old brother, Abdul Aziz, who’s currently interning at a medical college.
Emotional Footsteps for the Family
His father, Tofayel Ahmed, still in his 60s, wept as he recalled the last conversation on April 17, when Toffazal promised a visit in two months before the next Hari Raya Haji. Since his marriage in 2018, Toffazal had never returned home, and the family had to hide the news from their mother to avoid shock.
Abdul said he’s been “playing the jitters”:
- “I told my aunts and sisters not to tell mother. We just let her know Toffazal had an accident.”
- “My brother can help send any needed money.”
Hope and Farewell
After recovering from Covid‑19 last month, Tofayel is still weak. Abdul, feeling the weight he carries, says—or at least how he thinks about it—he now has to find a way forward.
The body of Mr. Toffazal is expected to fly back to Bangladesh this Sunday, closing a chapter that began with a phone call about Ramadan and ended in a tragic accident.
Tragic Road Accident Claims Life of Migrant Worker in Singapore
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Toffazal Hossain was among 17 migrant workers who lost their lives when a lorry he was traveling in collided with a stationary tipper truck. The incident left many families distraught and raised urgent questions about the safety of road transport for migrant laborers.
The Loss of a Kindhearted Man
Mr. Zahirul, who is spearheading repatriation plans from Singapore, described Toffazal as a “very quiet”, gentle soul—someone who had even donated blood. His nephew’s friends and supporters have come together to raise funds, planning to send the proceeds directly to Toffazal’s family.
“While it pains us to think they’re gone, we’re reminded that the danger remains for those who travel to work sites unless systemic issues are addressed,” Mr. Zahirul said. “One glaring problem is that lorry backs have no seat belts.”
Support and Remembrance
The non‑profit ItsRainingRaincoats has reached out to the family to provide grief counseling and encourages people to contribute to helping those affected or supporting distressed migrant workers.
- Offer emotional support to families
- Provide professional counseling services
- Fundraise for repatriation and relief grants
Community Response
Vigilant discussion about road safety standards gained momentum, with experts calling for stricter enforcement of seat belt regulations and better driver training. Meanwhile, the community rallied to honour the memories of the 17 workers, reminding us that safety is not just a policy—it’s a promise.
