SINGAPORE - Donations have been pouring in for the family of the man killed in an alleged taxi hijacking.
Cleaning supervisor Chandra Mogan, 35, died on Saturday after the vehicle careened into him at Changi Airport's Budget Terminal. The taxi is believed to have been hijacked by a Chinese national after a disagreement with the cabby.
Several Singaporeans have offered to donate money and items such as clothes for Mr Mogan's four children, aged nine, eight, five and 21/2 months.
Lawyers have expressed an interest in providing free legal help to his widow if she needs it. Staff at TSMP Law Corporation have also raised money and sent a cheque to Changi Airport Group, which is handling donations. It is not known how much has been collected so far.
An NTUC spokesman said Mr Mogan, who was a member of one of the unions, is eligible for an insurance payout. More than 30 people have called or e-mailed The Straits Times to find out how they can help the family.
Yesterday his wife, Madam Pusparani Mohan, told The Straits Times she is grateful for the support she has received following her husband's death. "I am speechless, I didn't expect so much help. Thanks to everyone who has helped me," said the 32-year-old, who also works as a cleaning supervisor at the airport.
Madam Pusparani added that she has not yet come to terms with the tragedy, and still feels that her husband is around. She consoles herself by sleeping beside his framed photograph. However, she holds no grudge against the 30-year-old Chinese national. "I was not there, I can't say anything about it," she said.
She will now have to support her family on her $1,200-a-month income, but may receive insurance payouts.
The Ministry of Manpower said it was assessing whether his family was eligible for compensation. The maximum payout for death under the Work Injury Compensation Act is $140,000.
Meanwhile, most of the damage has been fixed, and the scene has been cordoned off.
The Chinese national has been charged with voluntarily causing hurt while committing robbery.
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