Disqualified driver arrested on suspected hit-and-run case
10 July 2012 6:30 PM | Updated 7:04 PM
Twin brothers Tan Jun An and Tan Jun Xi were using a pedestrian crossing along Tampines Avenue 7 when they were knocked down by a car.
The unidentified driver allegedly stopped to carry one of them to the roadside and then fled the scene, Lianhe Wanbao reported.
Police have now arrested the 33-year-old male driver on five driving offences, including driving with his licence suspended, reckless driving, driving without car insurance, not providing aid to the wounded, and failure to provide information to his victims.
The incident happened at around 10am on 8 July near block 401. One witness said that after the twins were hit, older twin Jun An was lying on the road, while Jun Xi managed to crawl to the side.
The driver got out of the vehicle and placed Jun An on the grass patch of the road divider. He then left the scene immediately without waiting for the ambulance or police to arrive. He apparently did not identify himself to the children either.
Angry residents reportedly took down his vehicle licence-plate number and handed it over to the Traffic Police, who later arrested the driver at his home at Tampines Street 41 within three hours.
The twins, who are Primary 6 students at Tampines North Primary School, were sent to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital for treatment. Jun An had a fractured left arm and bruises on his right leg. He also had a fever and doctors said they would be examining him further to check for internal injuries. His brother had bruises, but was otherwise fine.
Residents in the area remarked that there are two traffic lights just 200m apart, along the road where the accident happened. They said that the lights are not synchronised, causing some cars to be unable to stop immediately at the second set of lights.
One resident said that some cars would continue to speed after the first green light, thinking that there would not be a second traffic light so soon after. Another resident recalled that she was almost knocked down by a taxi at the same spot about a year ago.
The police released a statement reminding the public that any driver involved in a traffic accident is not allowed to leave the scene and should attend to the wounded immediately.
Offenders will face a fine of up to $3,000 or a jail sentence of up to one year. Repeat offenders will face a fine of up to $5,000 or a jail term of up to two years.
