Overview of the Incident

In a heartbreaking incident that has left a family shattered, the life of 40-year-old Shohag Mohammad was abruptly cut short in a lorry accident in Tuas. His daughter, six-year-old Saima Islam, who lives 3,000km away in Bangladesh, has been left questioning why her father no longer calls her every day as he used to do after his job as a welder in Singapore.

Details of the Accident

December 15, 2024, marks a day of great loss, as Mr. Shohag was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining "multiple injuries" from an accident while traveling in the back of a lorry. The call from his employer, CK2 Engineering, delivered the devastating news that forever altered the lives of his family back home in Munshiganj district. Mr. Shohag is survived by his young daughter, wife Sarida, and several other relatives, including his mother.

Family's Response and Support

His brother, Mohammad Siraj, spoke on behalf of the grieving family, reflecting on Mr. Shohag's kind character and the significant financial support he provided—a vital lifeline contributing about 40,000 taka (approximately S$450) monthly for their daily expenses.

Investigation into the Accident

The details surrounding the accident remain murky. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations suggest that a heavy toolbox may have fallen onto Mr. Shohag while he was in the lorry, but officials have not confirmed this. The Transportation Minister, Chee Hong Tat, confirmed that the driver of the lorry is currently under investigation for causing death through a negligent act, which could lead to severe penalties. The lorry's driver had been arrested for careless driving, carrying a maximum punishment of three years in prison and a hefty fine.

Company's Statement and Compensation

CK2 Engineering's director, Mr. Kaliamoorthi Suresh Kumar, expressed that this was the first incident of its kind in the company’s history. He assured that the family of the deceased would receive compensation in accordance with the Work Injury Compensation Act (Wica).

Injuries and Further Legal Actions

The two other workers who were injured in the accident have been released from the hospital yet continue to be on medical leave. In the meantime, law experts highlight that Mr. Shohag’s family might explore options for further civil claims following the required compensation under Wica.

Workplace Safety and Advocacy

In an unfortunate twist, this tragedy has intensified discussions concerning workplace safety, particularly regarding the transport of workers. Advocates from Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) have raised concerns about the practice of transporting workers in the back of lorries in Singapore, a practice long discontinued in many other first-world nations. They aim to highlight the necessity for reforms to protect vulnerable workers and prevent similar fatal incidents from occurring in the future.

Community Support

As the family navigates through this difficult time, community members have rallied together, raising over $12,000 to support them as they cope with this unimaginable loss. Donations to aid Mr. Shohag's family will continue until January 20, 2025, as they seek to find stability in the aftermath of this devastating accident.

Conclusion

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by migrant workers and the urgent need for better safety measures within the industry.