SINGAPORE -

The case surrounding the tragic death of Emeritus Professor Tan Yock Lin, a respected law professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS), has taken a shocking turn. Natarajan Mohanraj, the lorry driver accused of causing the professor's death, allegedly continued to drive despite having his driving license revoked just weeks after the incident.

Incident Details

On July 7, 2023, Natarajan, a 27-year-old Indian national, was behind the wheel of a lorry on Upper Thomson Road when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle. Court documents reveal that the lorry mounted a kerb, veered into oncoming traffic, and collided with Professor Tan's car, leading to devastating consequences. The professor, 70, suffered severe injuries, including an open skull fracture, and tragically succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to the hospital.

Additional Accidents

The accident didn't stop there; the lorry also struck a van, resulting in grievous injuries to two individuals, aged 27 and 62. This horrifying incident raised alarms about road safety and the responsibility of drivers behind the wheel.

License Revocation and Further Incidents

Just weeks after the tragic event, on July 25, 2023, Natarajan had his driving license revoked. Yet alarmingly, he allegedly drove a lorry on at least two occasions in early 2024, first on January 3 in Sims Avenue, where he neglected to wear a seatbelt, and again on May 19, driving a lorry on the Ayer Rajah Expressway without the owner's consent.

Legal Proceedings

Facing a total of 10 charges, Natarajan appeared in district court on November 6, 2024. If found guilty of causing Professor Tan's death through negligent driving, he could face a jail sentence of up to three years and hefty fines reaching $10,000. Furthermore, for each count of causing grievous hurt, he could receive up to two years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.

Next Steps

The pre-trial conference for this disturbing case is scheduled for December 6, promising further revelations about accountability on the roads and the legal repercussions of reckless driving. This incident raises crucial questions about road safety, the enforcement of driving laws, and the tragic consequences of negligence behind the wheel. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.