From someone who knows the driver in the tragic Chinatown incident
This incident has really broken my heart. My phone hasn't stopped buzzing with updates, and honestly, reading through the comments online has been really tough to handle.
I've known the driver for years, since before 2020 actually. I met her husband more recently, shortly after he relocated here from the UAE late last year. From the very first time we met, they were both so warm, down-to-earth, and genuinely welcoming. No airs at all, even though I later realised their family is quite well-off. They never flaunt it though, they live simply, drive normal cars, dress modestly, and just come across as humble everyday people.
Just to clear up one thing I keep seeing repeated online: she isn't an Indian national. She's a Singapore citizen. Yes, she came from India originally, but she's been naturalised here for a long time now and Singapore is truly her home. Dragging nationality into this tragedy doesn't help anyone involved.
I first got to know her through her work at a dental clinic. She was always so gentle and kind, the type who would take extra time with a scared little kid or make sure an elderly patient felt comfortable. That's just her character: someone who genuinely cares and goes out of her way for people. When I was dealing with a really tough personal situation, and she stepped in without me even asking. She made sure someone I cared about was properly looked after so they wouldn't run into any trouble. She didn't have to do that, but that's who she is. It meant the world to me.
This was a truly horrific accident, and my heart aches for the family who lost their little girl. There's just no words for that pain, and nothing can fix it.
At the same time, it hurts to see people online calling her horrible names and treating her like some kind of monster. One terrible moment doesn't wipe out years of being a good, kind person. She's devastated and shattered right now.
I really hope we can all take a breath before judging someone's whole life based on a headline or a couple of photos. A little compassion really matters in times like this.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.