Tragic Accident in River Valley: Maid Faces Charges After Young Girl's Death
2024-11-06
Author: Li
SINGAPORE - A heartbreaking incident unfolded in River Valley as an Indonesian maid, Lilyana Eva, 32, was charged on November 6 with causing grievous hurt through a rash act that led to the tragic death of a four-year-old girl, Zara Mei Orlic.
The horrific event occurred on January 23 around 5 PM. According to court documents, Lilyana allegedly neglected to ensure Zara's safety while crossing an unsignalized junction. Instead of holding the child's hand, Lilyana was occupied managing school bags and tended to Zara's two-year-old sister, allowing Zara to run ahead unsupervised.
In a devastating turn of events, Zara dashed across Institution Hill and failed to notice an approaching car. Coroner Eddy Tham later stated that the young girl, only 1 meter tall, was obscured by a stationary vehicle, diminishing the driver's ability to spot her in time. The car, driven by a 40-year-old Australian woman who had just picked up her own children from school, struck Zara, resulting in catastrophic injuries.
Witness accounts reveal that the driver felt a sudden impact. When she checked her rear-view mirror, she realized the horrifying truth—she had hit a child. Both the driver and Lilyana rushed to Zara, who was bleeding severely. Immediate assistance was sought with a nearby receptionist calling for an ambulance, and Zara's father hurrying to the scene.
Sadly, Zara was pronounced dead at 6:45 PM after being transported to Singapore General Hospital. An autopsy later confirmed that the cause of death was due to a severe head injury.
Lilyana had only started working for the Orlic family in October 2023. During her court appearance, through the assistance of an Indonesian interpreter, she expressed her intention to hire a lawyer for her defense. Her case is set to resume on November 13.
Legal Implications and Community Response
In a somber note, under Singapore law, offenders found guilty of causing grievous hurt through rash behavior could face imprisonment of up to four years and a fine of up to $10,000. This incident has raised concerns regarding child safety and the responsibilities of caregivers in safeguarding their charges during everyday activities.