SINGAPORE – When his car rolled unintentionally backwards, a man tried to brake but stepped on the accelerator instead, causing an accident that killed two friends he had known for more than 50 years.
On April 20, Phua Chiew Tong, 86, was sentenced to the maximum fine of $10,000 after he pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, causing the deaths of Mr Ng Lian Khew and Mr Chan Wing Chai.
The retiree was also disqualified from holding or obtaining all classes of driving licences for eight years.
Court documents stated that Phua had since 2013 routinely picked up his two friends for trips to Johor Bahru to buy food and groceries.
Shortly before 8am on Oct 11, 2023, Mr Ng, 76, and Mr Chan, 83, were at the entrance of a multi-storey carpark in Lorong 7 Toa Payoh when Phua arrived in his car.
After the vehicle came to a halt, Mr Ng opened the boot while Mr Chan opened the front passenger door.
Deputy public prosecutors Darren Ang and Kenley Kwan stated in court documents: “As they did so, the car began rolling backwards.
“Seeing that his friends were close to the car, the accused attempted to step on the brake pedal to bring the car to a halt.”
