Shanmugam finding lawyer for family of 4-year-old boy who fell to his death in Yishun

Mr Shanmugam has said that there needs to be legal recourse for the family of a four-year-old boy who fell to his death from a Yishun flat last week. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY

SINGAPORE - Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam has said that there needs to be legal recourse for the family of a four-year-old boy who fell to his death from a Yishun flat last week.

The boy was alone at home when he fell off his ninth-floor unit which did not have window grilles installed.

Mr Shanmugam, an MP in Nee Soon GRC, said in a Facebook post on Thursday (Oct 15) that it was a tragic accident that could have been prevented.

He added that the family had just moved in, and the father of the boy said that the contractor was supposed to carry out works including installing the window grilles. But the contractor did not do those, and was not contactable.

"There must be steps taken against such contractors - if what the father says is correct. We must help the family to get legal recourse," said Mr Shanmugam.

"It won't bring back the child, but there has to be some justice done. I have told (him) we will help find a lawyer for the family."

Mr Shanmugam visited the family, who recounted their story to him.

According to the boy's father, when he suggested to the contractor to terminate the contract, the contractor asked to meet but did not show up. The latter also said his company would send a cancellation letter, which never arrived. Even after the tragedy, the contractor did not respond.

Mr Shanmugam added in his post: "If these facts are true, then the conduct is shameful, irresponsible and has contributed to the tragedy.

"One can understand the parents' anger, anguish. To lose a child like this. Because someone has not done what he is supposed to have done. And the conduct after the tragedy is shocking."

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