SINGAPORE: A Heartbreaking Incident

In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, an Indonesian maid named Lilyana Eva, 32, has been charged with causing grievous hurt through a rash act leading to the death of four-year-old Zara Mei Orlic. The tragic event occurred shortly before 5pm on January 23, 2024, in River Valley.

Details of the Incident

Court documents reveal that Lilyana failed to secure Zara's safety while attempting to cross the street at an unsignalized junction along Institution Hill. Disturbingly, she neglected to hold the child's hand, allowing Zara to dart into the road where she was struck by a vehicle driven by a 40-year-old Australian woman.

Despite immediate efforts to save Zara after the incident, she was pronounced dead at Singapore General Hospital later that evening. Reports indicated that the car collided with Zara in the second lane, tragically running over both her leg and head. The coroner's court ruled in July that the cause of death was due to severe head injuries.

Investigation and Findings

Footage from the vehicle’s camera revealed that the driver was operating the car at a low speed, and Zara was visible for only one brief second before the collision occurred. Standing at just 100 cm tall, the little girl was unfortunately positioned too low for the driver to see her in time.

Coroner's Warning

In a somber reflection on the incident, Coroner Eddy Tham stated in July that this case stands as a dire warning to caregivers about the critical importance of road safety. He emphasized, "Young children do not possess a keen sense of road hazards and can make unpredictable movements. It is essential for caregivers to always hold a child's hand when crossing streets." The coroner also highlighted that a child’s smaller stature can easily render them obscured by nearby vehicles or objects.

Legal Proceedings

Lilyana had begun her employment with the Orlic family only two months prior to the incident, in October 2023. At her recent court appearance on November 6, she expressed her intention to seek legal representation, with the court recommending that she apply for assistance under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme.

The case has been adjourned to November 13, as Lilyana prepares to navigate the legal repercussions of this tragic event. Under Singapore law, a person convicted of causing grievous hurt through a rash act may face up to four years in prison, a fine of up to S$10,000, or a combination of both.

Raising Awareness

This incident raises urgent conversations around child safety and the responsibilities of caregivers in safeguarding our most vulnerable citizens. Stay tuned as we continue to follow this dramatic story, and remember to keep your loved ones safe on our roads!