A 28-year-old male motorcyclist died after his motorcycle collided with a truck at around 10:25 pm on 11 September along the Tampines Expressway (TPE) towards Seletar Expressway (SLE), just before the Punggol Road exit. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, having been trapped under the truck. A 42-year-old male lorry driver is currently assisting with investigations.
Background
The accident led to significant traffic disruptions, with two lanes of the four-lane expressway cordoned off by the police. Eyewitnesses reported that vehicles came to a standstill, and at least two ambulances were present at the scene. Footage circulated online showed vehicles lined up bumper to bumper along the expressway.
Eyewitness accounts
According to Shin Min Daily News, a white sheet was placed at the right rear wheel of the lorry to cover the body of the deceased rider. A motorist at the scene described the situation as chaotic, with emergency services working to manage the aftermath of the accident.
Police and emergency response
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the police were alerted to the accident at around 10:25 pm. The SCDF confirmed that the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. The police are currently investigating the circumstances leading to the collision, with the lorry driver assisting in the inquiries.
Traffic impact
The accident caused significant delays on the TPE, with two lanes being cordoned off for several hours. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes. The traffic congestion extended for several kilometres, affecting many commuters.
Related incidents
This tragic accident is not an isolated incident on the TPE. In a similar case, a 55-year-old male motorcyclist died in an accident involving a trailer truck on the same expressway. These incidents highlight the ongoing safety concerns for motorcyclists on Singapore’s roads.
Future implications
The recent spate of accidents involving motorcyclists and heavy vehicles on the TPE raises questions about road safety measures. Authorities may need to consider additional safety protocols or awareness campaigns to prevent such tragic incidents in the future. The ongoing investigation will hopefully provide more insights into the causes and potential preventive measures.