A Night of Horror in Tuas

In a tragic turn of events, a lorry driver caused a fatal accident that has left the community in shock. On May 12, 2024, in the early hours, 24-year-old Ashokan Santhoshsivam reversed a lorry without proper care, leading to a wall collapse that killed a passing construction worker.

Driver's Guilty Plea and Sentencing

Fast forward to September 12, 2025, Ashokan pled guilty to driving without due care and attention, alongside lacking the necessary Class 4 license for operating a lorry. The consequences were severe: the court sentenced him to eight months in jail, fined him $800, and disqualified him from driving for eight years post-release.

The Fateful Night Unveiled

The tragic incident occurred when Ashokan and two friends left their dormitory around 2:50 AM to grab a late-night bite. After discovering their destination was closed, he chose to drive them back despite his invalid license. In a reckless maneuver, Ashokan reversed the lorry and struck a gate, which caused a wall to tumble onto the pathway.

The Heartbreak of Loss

Zaw Lin Tun, a 34-year-old Burmese construction worker, was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the wall struck him fatally. An autopsy later confirmed that head and neck injuries were the cause of his death. Another bystander sustained leg injuries in the chaos.

Legal Ramifications and Reflections

The prosecution emphasized the seriousness of the offense, noting the lack of an in-vehicle camera meant no video footage was available to clarify the details of the event. They requested a lengthier jail term and stated that operating the lorry without insurance left victims and potential casualties without recourse for compensation.

A Cautionary Tale

This tragic case serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences of negligence on the roads. A first-time offender in such cases could face up to three years of imprisonment or fines up to $10,000. Ashokan's sentence is a stark warning about the grave responsibilities that come with driving, underscoring the necessity for valid licensing and prudent driving practices.