Hit-and-run bus driver jailed for causing pedestrian's death in Yishun

A bus driver was jailed for 12 months and banned from driving for 10 years on Monday over a hit-and-run accident at a pedestrian crossing in Yishun.

Phang Yiap Choy, 29, a Malaysian, had pleaded guilty to causing the death of housewife Ng Sew Hong, 67, by doing a rash act at the signalised pedestrian crossing at the junction of Yishun Avenue 2 by Yishun Central 1 on Oct 28, 2011.

He was making a right turn into Yishun Avenue 2 when he failed to give way to the pedestrian who was struck by the SMRT bus while she was crossing on a "green man'' signal.

Phang also admitted to failing to stop after the accident, and failing to render assistance as was reasonable in his power to do so. A district court heard that Phang neither slowed down nor stopped to check for pedestrians at the T-junction and proceeded to turn right that morning.

After hitting Madam Ng, he continued to drive the bus, causing its front and rear tyres to run over her body. The impact of the collision had caused a spider web crack on the front right screen of the vehicle.

Madam Ng suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead by a paramedic shortly later.

After Phang had stopped the bus along Yishun Avenue 2 near a bus stop, he packed his personal belongings, secured the bus and fled to Johor Baru. With the help of SMRT staff, several calls were made to him to persuade him to return. He eventually agreed and surrendered himself at Woodlands depot.

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