Traffic Police officer dies in Serangoon Road accident
Photos and videos of the incident were widely circulated on WhatsApp and social media. This photo has been cropped
SINGAPORE — A Traffic Police (TP) officer was killed in the line of duty after an accident involving a van along Serangoon Road on Thursday (June 1) morning.
Staff Sergeant (SSG) Nadzrie Matin, 29, was performing traffic patrol duties at the time of the incident, about 10.40am.
He was sent to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The 52-year-old driver of the van has been arrested for a negligent act causing death, said the police.
Commissioner of Police Hoong Wee Teck said on Thursday that SSG Nadzrie was a “dedicated and well-liked officer” who joined the force in 2009.
“I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Staff Sergeant Nadzrie ... We will do everything possible to assist his family during this difficult period,” he said, expressing his deepest condolences to the family.
On Thursday evening, a steady stream of visitors, including friends and family, visited the late officer’s home at Choa Chu Kang to pay their respects. SSG Nadzrie was married in 2014 and had no children.
Mr Amrin Amin, Parliamentary Secretary (Home Affairs and Health), and Mr Zaqy Mohamad, a Member of Parliament for Chua Chu Kang GRC, also visited SSG Nadzrie’s family.
When approached by TODAY, SSG Nadzrie’s parents declined to comment.
Speaking to TODAY, Mr Zaqy said: “It is an officer on duty, doing his duty. It is most unfortunate (that this happened),” added Mr Zaqy.
In a Facebook post later, Mr Amrin said: “No words can adequately console. But I hope it will lighten the family’s burden knowing that Nadzrie was an outstanding, dedicated police officer, well-liked and respected by his commanders and peers.”
On social media, tributes poured in from those who had worked with the late TP officer. One user, Najelin Ip, said SSG Nadzrie was the first person he knew when he joined the force.
“You used to disturb me: ‘Work one day take leave so many days’, then I would be laughing (with him). Brother, you are always remembered in the team ... no one can replace you,” he said.
Another Facebook user, Gordon Lee, said SSG Nadzrie was “a great senior to me”, from whom he had learnt a lot. “I will always remember the loud laughter and smile you carry with you everytime,” he wrote.
Following the accident, photos and videos of the incident have been circulating on social media. The police have appealed to members of the public not to circulate videos or images of the deceased out of respect for SSG Nadzrie’s family.
Investigations into the accident are in progress.
