Driver arrested over multi-vehicle accident in Tampines that killed two people

SINGAPORE: A 42-year-old car driver was arrested on Wednesday (Apr 24) following Monday's multi-vehicle accident in Tampines that killed two people.

The man was arrested after being discharged from hospital, the police said in response to media queries, adding that his driving licence has been suspended.

The offence of dangerous driving causing death carries a penalty of between two and eight years in jail for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders face a jail term of between four and 15 years. 

The accident, which happened at the junction of Tampines Avenue 1 and Avenue 4 on Monday morning, involved four cars, a van and a minibus.

CNA understands that the 42-year-old suspect was driving the black Saab that was caught on dashcam footage speeding and sideswiping a white car before a junction. 

Moments later, multiple vehicles are seen damaged at the junction, with a black car overturned.

A 17-year-old student at Temasek Junior College and a 57-year-old woman died in the accident. Six other people were taken to hospital, including the driver who was eventually arrested.

Police said on Monday that he was assisting with investigations.

Those injured included the father of the 17-year-old Temasek JC victim, a 64-year-old van driver, an 11-year-old car passenger and an 11-year-old minibus passenger.

According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force, a person was found with one leg trapped under the wheel of a car. Officers had to use hydraulic rescue equipment to free the person's leg.