When a Car Turns Into a Weekend Tragedy
Quick recap of what went down
On a sunny Sunday afternoon in Nutmeg Road, a driver took a dramatic U‑turn that didn’t quite turn out the way he intended. The mistake sent a car barreling into a sidewalk where Abigail Danao Leste (41) and her five friends were enjoying a picnic. Sadly, the crash claimed the lives of six domestic workers, including Ms. Leste.
Wakes, prayers, and tears
The funeral parlor in Geylang Bahru was a picture of sorrow. Ms. Leste’s cousin, now the unexpected “loud‑speaker” of the moment, barely held back the sobs as she read scripture with a voice that trembled. Despite the emotional fog, a priest from the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea took up the mantle, leading a brief yet heartfelt Catholic service arranged by the Centre for Domestic Employees.
What’s next? Here’s the lay of the land
- Family and friends are still grappling with the shock; they declined to be interviewed, wanting privacy to mourn.
- Shamsul Kamar, the Centre’s executive director, said he’s planning to fly Ms. Leste’s daughter to Singapore soon so she can truly pay her respects.
- More than $184,000 has already been raised for the six victims.
- Ms. Leste’s remains are expected to be shipped back to the Philippines by Thursday.
Why the incident happened on a holiday
The accident took place during the holiday period, meaning most folks loved ones had their hands full, making it hard for people to gather for the wake. Shamsul mentioned that the timing added to the logistical chaos. His aim? To identify every need of the affected families and help if they want the bodies sent back home.
What the survivors and victims’ families are grasping for
Ms. Leste’s mother, Lilia Somera, has reached out to the Philippine government, demanding that the driver face justice. “He should pay for what happened to her,” she said, referencing the alleged over‑speeding of the vehicle. She also noted the shift from celebration to mourning—a sad twist on a New Year’s Eve that many hoped would be joyful.
Looking ahead: The next day in remembrance
For those who wish to honor the memory of Ms. Leste, the memorial hall at Direct Funeral Services (address: 89 Geylang Bahru) will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday. It’s a small, but meaningful, opportunity to pay respects in an environment full of warmth and remembrance.
Final words: Meditation about a “freak accident”
Ms. Laila Flores Laudencio, one of the other six Filipinos struck, mentioned that the car “missed me by inches.” She described a frightening scene: the vehicle speeding toward her and the chairs around them, unable to dodge a runaway car. She shared that she, along with her friends Arlyn and Arceli Nucos, were caught off‑guard and that the car ultimately veered toward a railing. She recalls hearing the thump as the car slammed into the barrier, returning a glance to see the journey of her own life… all while praying—because at that moment, that’s the only thing left to do.
Oops! A Traffic Mishap in the Philippines
Picture this: a bustling street, a quiet day, and then—boom!—a sudden car disaster that takes a life. That’s exactly what happened in the Philippines, and it left everyone scratching their heads.
What Went Down?
- The vehicle, a regular family sedan, collided unexpectedly.
- Traffic conditions were mild, so the crash was surprising to the drivers.
- Tragically, it claimed a life.
Why It Matters
Every time a car hits the road, the ripple effects are huge—from the emotional toll on families to the escalating calls for better road safety measures.
Extra Note
Even though the report started in The Straits Times, the story resonates everywhere. If you’re driving, buckle up; if you’re just texting, keep your focus on the road.
