Prosecution seeks up to 13.5 years' jail for driver in Tampines collision that killed 2

Singapore's prosecution on Monday (Sep 7) requested a maximum sentence of 13-and-a-half years in jail for driver Muhammad Syafie Ismail, who allegedly ran a red light at high speed and caused a fatal chain collision in Tampines, killing two people. The defence also sought a lifetime driving ban for Ismail, a 45-year-old Singaporean, in connection with the incident.

Most of the vehicles involved in the multi-vehicle collision were driven by parents taking their children to school during peak hours on April 22, 2024. The fatalities were a 17-year-old student and a 57-year-old woman, while five others were injured, including two 11-year-old children who required hospitalization. Syafie had a history of traffic violations, including careless driving in April 2022, and pleaded guilty to three charges of dangerous driving causing death, grievous hurt, and hurt.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Niranjan Ranjakunalan sought a term of 12 years and nine months to 13-and-a-half years, citing the loss of two lives, the number of injured victims, and property damage. The defence lawyer, Kalaithasan Karuppaya, argued that the accident was an unusual and exceptional event resulting from Syafie's lapse in judgment and failure to exercise diligence.

Syafie has apologized to the victims and their families, expressed remorse, and is committed to living with the lessons of the tragedy. The judge adjourned sentencing to October to consider the arguments from both sides.