A Story of a Missed Turn and a Tragic Loss
On the evening of January 12th, a routine drive turned into a heart‑wracking tragedy. A lorry driver, Gan Lian Min (age 70), froze at a T‑junction on Yung Kuang Road and Yuan Ching Road in Jurong West. He slowed down, but before he could pull to his right, the vehicle lurched forward and hammered into a woman crossing the road.
The Victim: Ms. Or Cheng Khim
- Age: 52
- Occupation: Preschool teacher’s assistant
- What she was doing: Heading home after buying sushi to surprise her son and celebrate his O‑level results
Ms. Or, clutching an umbrella against the drizzle, was suddenly cruelly thrown into the path of the lorry. She suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to the hospital. Three days later, on January 15th, she passed away.
The Court Hearing
On Friday, February 11th, Gan stood before the judge, head bowed as CCTV footage replayed. The footage clearly showed the lorry slowing before the right‑turn, then slamming into Ms. Or. The police prosecutor testified that Gan’s quick scan of oncoming traffic didn’t allow him enough time to spot the woman—especially when she began crossing right at that moment.
The judge weighed the evidence and convicted Gan of driving without due care and causing a death. The sentence? Four months in jail, and an eight‑year ban from holding any driving licence after his release.
Legal Consequences
- Potential sanction for the offence: up to $10,000 fine, up to three years imprisonment, or a combination.
The Human Element
Gan’s lawyer, Mr. Clarence Lun from Fervent Chambers, portrayed the incident as an unfortunate one complicated by heavy rain and low light. He highlighted Gan’s ongoing remorse and his attendance at Ms. Or’s wake to apologize to her family.
Meanwhile, the prosecutor cautioned that if Gan had simply stopped, he could have noticed Ms. Or’s presence and might have avoided the fatal collision.
On a somber note, this heartbreaking incident reminds us that every inch of safe driving matters. Even a brief pause can be lifesaving.
