Tuas Checkpoint death: Victim skidded after hitting other motorcycle
The victim of a fatal accident at the Tuas Checkpoint last December had rear ended another motorcycle moments before he was run over by a passing lorry.
During the coroner’s inquiry on Tuesday (23 May) into the death of 51-year-old Malaysian Kuek Kim Choo, investigating officer Staff Sergeant Farhan Malik said that the deceased had been travelling on his motorcycle towards the direction of Singapore at about 5.09am on 6 December 2016.
As Kuek approached the checkpoint he rear ended another motorcycle ridden by 34-year-old Malaysian Prakesh Palanisamy and his wife, causing both vehicles to skid.
Investigations revealed that, following the collision, Kuek’s motorcycle skidded underneath the rear tyre of a moving Malaysia-registered lorry. Kuek was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Prakesh had not noticed Kuek’s motorcycle behind him and told police that the accident took him by surprise. “The motorcyclist (Prakesh) got up and was unsure what had happened. When he looked up he saw another motorbike on the left lane,” said Staff Sgt Farhan.
The investigating officer said the lorry driver, 45-year-old Jumaat Wahab, did not see Kuek’s motorcycle and felt only a bump. “The driver did not stop immediately as he thought he had driven over a bump as the road is bumpy,” said Staff Sgt Farhan.
The accident took place during the morning peak hour, which resulted in a massive traffic jam for vehicles coming into Singapore.
Staff Sgt Farhan said Kuek, who worked as a supervisor at Sunlight Paper Products, had been on his way to work that morning when the accident happened. He added that Kuek usually left for work at about 4.30am and would reach his workplace by 5.30am.
When questioned by State Coroner Marvin Bay regarding other eyewitnesses, Staff Sgt Farhan said that even though a sign had been placed at the accident site for three months, no one stepped forward to provide a statement.
The hearing was adjourned and State Coroner Bay will deliver his findings on 26 May.
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