Tragic Road Incident in Choa Chu Kang

SINGAPORE: In a heart-wrenching incident that left a family mourning, 29-year-old Seow Han Yen, known as Sean, lost his life after being struck by a vehicle during a downpour in Choa Chu Kang. The case has raised troubling questions surrounding the actions of the driver, a 23-year-old woman named Ilycia Chua Yue-Lin, who allegedly fled the scene with Mr. Seow’s phone.

The Incident

On March 3, around 7 AM, Ms. Chua was reportedly driving her boyfriend and his brother when she entered the intersection of Choa Chu Kang Loop and Choa Chu Kang Drive. According to her account, the traffic light was green, and she did not see any other vehicles. She stated that she observed Mr. Seow crossing the road but when he dashed unexpectedly into the lane, she couldn't stop in time to avoid colliding with him.

An off-duty police officer, witnessing the aftermath, quickly intervened after noticing the car with hazard lights flashing. He called for an ambulance as Mr. Seow lay on the road, struggling for life before being rushed to the hospital. Regrettably, he succumbed to his injuries just days later.

The Driver’s Actions Spark Outrage

What began as a routine inquiry took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that Ms. Chua left the scene shortly after the incident, later claiming to have panicked. Witness reports indicated she drove home and put the ramifications of the accident behind her. Alarmingly, her boyfriend reportedly took Mr. Seow's valuables, including his phone, placing them in her vehicle for "safekeeping."

Investigators later found the vehicle and Mr. Seow’s items at a nearby multi-storey car park, challenging the idea that she acted with the intention of preserving evidence. Ms. Chua eventually met with authorities only several hours later, bewildering both the investigating officers and Mr. Seow's family.

Family’s Quest for Justice

During the inquiry, questions from Mr. Seow’s family attorney revolved around critical factors including Ms. Chua’s state at the time of the accident. The investigation noted there was no evidence of foul play, yet discrepancies in the timeline remain under scrutiny. Family representatives brought forth Google Timeline data from Mr. Seow’s phone, revealing he was at the bus interchange shortly before the tragic events unfolded.

Additionally, the absence of dashboard camera footage has raised red flags for the family, who are eager for clarity after the loss of their loved one. “Why wasn’t Ms. Chua held accountable at the scene?” Mr. Seow’s sister questioned. “My brother was a good man. He deserved better.”

Ongoing Investigation and Future Implications

As of now, the police have not charged Ms. Chua. The case remains under close watch as investigators delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the sequence of traffic signals and Ms. Chua’s possible neglect of the obligation to remain at the scene of an accident.

The coroner's findings are awaited, with many hoping for a resolution that honors Sean’s memory and ensures accountability for those involved. The community echoes the calls for justice, as they reflect on the fragility of life and the critical importance of responsible driving and ethical conduct in the face of tragedy.

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned as this developing story reveals further revelations about the investigation and the chilling events that led to an untimely death—when will accountability be served?