Woman in bicycle accident on life support

60-year-old believed to have been hit from behind; teen cyclist helping with police probe

Madam Violet Poh was walking on a shared path for joggers and cyclists at Tampines Park Connector when she was hit.
Madam Violet Poh was walking on a shared path for joggers and cyclists at Tampines Park Connector when she was hit. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SHAWN TOH

A 17-year-old cyclist is assisting police with investigations, after a pedestrian suffered severe trauma to her head in an accident in Tampines on Sunday night.

Madam Violet Poh, 60, is now on life support at Changi General Hospital, her son Shawn Toh told The Straits Times yesterday.

In response to queries, police said they were alerted to the accident at around 8pm at a park connector along Block 495E Tampines Street 43.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force said the pedestrian was unconscious on the way to the hospital, which was alerted to be on standby to receive her.

Yesterday, Mr Toh contacted ST to appeal for witnesses.

The 30-year-old said his mother was alone at the time of the accident.

She was brisk walking on a shared path for joggers and cyclists at Tampines Park Connector.

He added that Madam Poh did not bring anything with her for her weekly evening walk.

When the housewife did not return home after a few hours, the family decided to contact the police. They were then directed to Changi General Hospital, arriving at around 1am.

"When we got to her, she was already unconscious," said Mr Toh, who added that he understands a passer-by called for an ambulance for his mother.

Madam Poh, who suffered trauma to the back of her head, is believed to have been hit by the bicycle from the back.

Mr Toh said that doctors had informed the family, including his father, 32-year-old sister and 24-year-old brother, that his mother is unlikely to recover.

"She's currently on life support but her condition is deteriorating," said Mr Toh, who works in sales.

"The doctor said she is likely to last only a few more days."

Mr Toh hopes that those who witnessed the incident can share more information with the police.

He said: "There is usually a crowd there, especially during the evenings.

"I hope there will be witnesses who will come forward."

He added: "It's not easy for us.

"All this happened too quickly."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 05, 2018, with the headline Woman in bicycle accident on life support. Subscribe