Tow truck driver dies after King George's Ave accident, man who fled scene to be charged
A 57-year-old tow truck driver who was in a hit-and-run-accident with a car in Kallang died on Aug 25, after five days in the hospital.
Chairperson of the People's Action Party's (PAP) Hougang SMC branch Marshall Lim identified the deceased as Patrick, "a devoted husband, a filial son, a caring father, a steadfast brother, and a selfless leader of our community".
Mr Lim said in an Instagram post on Aug 26: "Patrick passed away yesterday after fighting bravely for five nights. He will be missed by his loved ones, his friends and all of us in Hougang."
A 33-year-old man, the driver of the rental car, will be charged in court on Aug 27 with four offences.
The accident occurred along Lavender Street towards Balestier Road, before the junction of King George's Avenue, at around 10.05pm on Aug 20.
Stomper Robert told Stomp in an earlier report: "The front of the truck was crumpled. The whole junction was blocked and there were people being taken to the ambulance."
The tow truck driver was unconscious when taken to hospital. The police confirmed his death on Aug 26.
The car driver did not render assistance to the tow truck driver and fled the scene immediately after the accident. He also did not report the accident to the police within 24 hours.
Through extensive ground inquiries and with the aid of police cameras, the Traffic Police (TP) established the car driver's identity and arrested him on Aug 25.
His driving licence has been suspended with immediate effect.
The man will be charged in court with dangerous driving causing death, failing to stop after an accident, failing to report the accident, and failing to render assistance.
The police reminded motorists to always abide by traffic laws to keep roads safe.
"Motorists who are involved in accidents must stop and render assistance to the road users involved, such as calling for an ambulance to provide medical attention to the victim," they added. "Leaving an accident scene without rendering assistance is a criminal offence."
The police said they will not hesitate to take firm action against motorists who choose to flout traffic laws and endanger the safety of other road users.
