Alleged unlicensed lorry driver charged after accident caused wall to fall on man, killing him

SINGAPORE – A man was allegedly driving a lorry without a licence when it struck a gate, causing part of a wall to crumble and fall on two male pedestrians, killing one of them.

Without revealing details, court documents stated that the second pedestrian suffered grievous hurt in the incident that occurred in May 2024 at the entrance of a property in Tech Park Crescent, near Tuas South Avenue 4.

Indian national Ashokan Santhoshsivam, 24, who was allegedly driving the lorry at the time, was handed four charges on June 18.

They included two counts of driving the vehicle without due care and attention, resulting in the accident involving two 34-year-old Myanmar nationals.

One charge involved the dead victim, while the other was linked to his injured compatriot.

Ashokan was also charged with driving the lorry without a licence to do so.

According to court documents, he was allegedly driving the lorry at the entrance of the Tech Park Crescent property at around 3am on May 12, 2024, when the accident occurred.

Ashokan is accused of failing to keep a proper lookout while reversing the vehicle, resulting in its rear right portion hitting a nearby gate.

Part of its surrounding wall crumbled and fell on the two men who were walking along a nearby footway.

Ashokan is expected to plead guilty in August.

For causing death while driving a vehicle without due care and attention, a first-time offender can be jailed for up to three years or fined up to $10,000 or both.

For causing grievous hurt while driving a vehicle in such a manner, a first-time offender can be jailed for up to two years or fined up to $5,000 or both.