Fatal accident in Tuas: Migrant worker said to have died after heavy tool box fell on him at back of lorry
Kok Yufeng, Fatmah Khan and Kolette Lim
The Straits Times
Dec 18, 2024
A 40-year-old man, who was among several migrant workers travelling at the back of a lorry, died after an accident on the morning of Dec 15 in Tuas.
Two male passengers, aged 26 and 29, were injured in the incident, which happened at about 9.10am at the junction of Tuas South Avenue 12, Tuas South Avenue 9 and Tuas Nexus Drive.
A 41-year-old male lorry driver was arrested for careless driving causing death, the police said.
No other vehicles were involved in the accident.
The 40-year-old passenger was pronounced dead at the scene by a Singapore Civil Defence Force paramedic. The two injured passengers were taken conscious to National University Hospital (NUH).
Asked about the condition of the hospitalised pair, an NUH spokesperson declined to comment, citing patient confidentiality.
Images posted online that are said to be of the accident's aftermath show a lorry with the logo for a company named "CK2" at the side of Tuas South Avenue 9.
Two men, both bloodied, can be seen lying on the grass verge next to the vehicle. At the back of the lorry, which is stained with blood, a large metal container and a man lying next to it can also be seen.
Other images show SCDF personnel attending to two men, both of whom had neck braces on.
Migrant worker charity ItsRainingRaincoats said on its Facebook page on Dec 18 that it understands that, among other reasons, the deceased worker had lost his life because a heavy tool box at the back of the lorry fell on him.
The Straits Times has seen similar claims from other sources but has not been able to independently verify them.
Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) executive director Michael Lim said the non-governmental organisation is prepared to assist the next-of-kin of the dead worker. MWC, which is affiliated with the National Trades Union Congress, is also committed to supporting the injured workers through their recovery process, he added.
The accident has reignited criticism over the practice of transporting workers on the rear of lorries - an issue that has been raised many times over the years. The Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics called for the practice to be banned, describing it as a "fundamentally unsafe mode of transport".
Transient Workers Count Too general manager Ethan Guo said: "Clearly, whatever system Singapore has tried to implement to mitigate the safety of transporting workers by lorry hasn't worked."
Under the Road Traffic Act, any goods transported on the back of lorries must be properly secured so they do not endanger workers being ferried or other road users. The lorry must not travel faster than the road speed limit, or 60kmh, whichever is lower, and workers ferried on the rear carriage deck must be properly seated under the canopy.
Newer requirements under the Workplace Safety and Health Act that took effect in 2023 also dictate minimum rest-times for workers who double up as lorry drivers.
In addition, a designated "vehicle buddy" must be seated next to the driver to ensure he is alert and able to drive safely.
In 2023, several government agencies acknowledged that it is "not ideal" for workers to be transported on lorries but cited concerns from employers about the knock-on effects of a ban, such as delays to construction projects and the possible loss of jobs.
As at October, there have been four deaths and 380 injuries linked to lorry accidents in 2024, including drivers and passengers, according to the latest figures from the Department of Statistics website.
There was one death and 449 injuries that resulted from lorry accidents in 2023, and six deaths and 351 injuries due to such accidents in 2022.
Under the Road Traffic Act, those who cause death by careless driving can be fined up to $10,000 and jailed for up to three years. For those deemed as repeat offenders, the maximum penalty is a fine of up to $20,000 and jail for up to six years.
