Illegal lorry joyride ends in accident for 16-year-old
The site of an accident which happened at Blk 447A Jalan Kayu on Dec 26, 2017, when a lorry driven by a 16-year-old crashed in a gas regulator box. Fumes started leaking from the gas box as a result of the accident, and the nearby coffeeshop had to be evacuated as a precautionary measure. Photo: Google Maps
SINGAPORE — A teenager who took his friend's lorry out for a spin on Christmas Day ended his joyride in an accident that caused a nearby coffeeshop to be evacuated after the accident caused a gas leak.
In a statement on Tuesday (Dec 26), the police said the 16-year-old Singaporean, who is not old enough to drive, drove into a gas overground box at around 6.20pm near Block 447A Jalan Kayu.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was called to the scene after fumes from the gas box started leaking into the air as a result of damage caused by the accident.
Two water jets were used to disperse the vapours. As a precautionary measure, the SCDF also evacuated the nearby coffeeshop and shut off the gas supply.
TODAY understands that the damaged gas box contains low pressured gas that dissipates into the air when exposed.
"There was no gas supply interruption to the surrounding area which is tapping on alternative lines of supply," said a spokesperson for SP Group, which had immediately sent its officers down to the site to "ensure the safety" of everyone in the vicinity.
The utilities operator also said they are in the midst of assessing the damage caused to the gas regulator box and expect repairs to be completed "by the end of the week".
"We will then seek compensation for the damages caused in accordance with the usual procedure for traffic accidents," said the spokesperson.
Apart from the teenage driver, who had light injuries, no one else was injured in the accident.
The driver, who was alone in the vehicle, was taken conscious to the hospital.
He was subsequently arrested by the police for driving a vehicle without the owner's consent.
TODAY understands that the lorry belongs to the teen's friend, who had rented the vehicle from Pan Pacific Van & Truck Leasing Pte Ltd. TODAY has contacted the company for comments.
Police investigations are ongoing.
