Driver in Tampines chain collision that killed 2 gets over 12 years' jail, banned from driving for life

On October 5, a Singaporean driver named Muhammad Syafie Ismail was sentenced to 12 years and nine months in jail and banned from driving for life after causing a fatal chain collision in Tampines. The 45-year-old had driven at high speeds through a red light, killing a 17-year-old student and a 57-year-old woman, and severely injuring three others and five others, including children.

Syafie pleaded guilty to three charges of dangerous driving causing death, causing grievous hurt, and causing hurt. The prosecution had sought a jail term of 12 years and nine months to 13-and-a-half years, after considering a 10% discount for the guilty plea. Both the prosecutor and defense sought a lifetime driving ban.

Defense lawyer Kalaithasan Karuppaya argued that the accident was an unusual and exceptional one, caused by a sequence of extraordinary and unforeseen events. Syafie, who was ridden with guilt, supports his family and is a dedicated Quranic teacher. He tearfully apologized in court for the pain and grief his actions had caused.