65-year-old injured in e-scooter accident dies in hospital

Madam Ong Bee Eng, a logistics assistant packer, had been in a coma at Changi General Hospital's Surgical Intensive Care Unit since she collided with the e-scooter while riding her bicycle on Saturday night. She suffered a serious brain injury as wel
Madam Ong Bee Eng, a logistics assistant packer, had been in a coma at Changi General Hospital's Surgical Intensive Care Unit since she collided with the e-scooter while riding her bicycle on Saturday night. She suffered a serious brain injury as well as fractures in her ribs and collarbone. PHOTO: COURTESY OF NG CHIN KHAI

A 65-year-old woman who was seriously injured in an e-scooter accident last Saturday in Bedok died in hospital yesterday.

Police confirmed that Madam Ong Bee Eng had died. A 20-year-old man was arrested after the accident for causing grievous hurt, and police said yesterday they are now investigating the case as one of causing death by a rash act.

Madam Ong, a logistics assistant packer, had been in a coma at Changi General Hospital's Surgical Intensive Care Unit since she collided with the e-scooter while riding her bicycle last Saturday night.

She suffered a serious brain injury as well as fractures in her ribs and collarbone. Her family was told to prepare for the worst on Monday, after her blood pressure dropped.

Last night, a steady stream of condolences were offered on her son Ng Chin Khai's Facebook page, as news of her death spread.

Friends and family have described Madam Ong, a widow with two children and two grandchildren, as a helpful and well-respected woman.

Last Saturday, she visited her 88-year-old mother at the Singapore General Hospital, attended a wake, and had dinner at a coffee shop in Kaki Bukit before stop-ping at a supermarket to buy a few things.

She was on her way home, taking her usual route, when the accident occurred, her younger brother, Mr Andy Ong, 53, had earlier told The Straits Times.

"She has been cycling in the area for almost 30 years, and has never had an accident before," he had said, referring to Madam Ong as da jie, or big sister. "I am going to lose a sister, such a wonderful sister."

He had said she was a generous and caring person. If she was buying groceries, she would frequently text him to check if he needed anything, as the two live only a block apart in Chai Chee Street.

Her colleagues cried after seeing her in the ward, Mr Ong had said.

"She is very well-respected by them, and treats some of them like her children," he added. "Wherever she goes, she makes friends with everyone."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 26, 2019, with the headline 65-year-old injured in e-scooter accident dies in hospital. Subscribe