Rare sambar deer dies after accident involving van on KJE

On the night of August 30, a sambar deer tragically died after being hit by a van on the KJE expressway, near BKE. The police were alerted to the incident around 8:20 pm on that day. The 68-year-old male driver of the van is currently assisting with the ongoing investigation.

When the incident occurred, a video posted on a Telegram group showed the deer lying on the ground, surrounded by glass shards. The poster, 23-year-old student Chiew Yeli, reported that the deer was still alive but bleeding from the mouth around 8:10 pm. Chiew attempted to divert oncoming traffic using her phone's flashlight, and was aided by a motorist and an elderly couple. By around 9 pm, when emergency workers arrived and informed her that the deer had passed away, it appeared to be deceased.

How Choon Beng, the group director of wildlife management at NParks, stated that the deer was found dead when the NParks team arrived on-site. The carcass has since been removed. The van driver suffered no injuries, while the vehicle sustained some damage. Choon Beng advised motorists to drive at safe speeds and remain alert for animals crossing roads, particularly in areas with forested surroundings and animal crossing signs.

It is important to note that the public should not attempt to handle injured wild animals on their own. Sambar deer are classified as vulnerable – threatened with extinction – in the International Union for Conservation of Nature database. According to an NParks study conducted in 2021, there were approximately 15 sambar deer in Singapore. A 2023 study indicated a growing population of the species in various forested areas.

Chiew expressed hope that signs warning motorists to slow down could be placed along the stretch of road, given the frequent deer sightings in the area. Should you encounter a wildlife rescue situation, call NParks at 1800-476-1600.