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Boy, 9, sent flying after 74-year-old driver allegedly runs red light in Ang Mo Kio

Dashcam footage shows the child cycling across a pedestrian crossing before being struck by a Hyundai Avante at an intersection where the traffic light was red for vehicles.

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Boy, 9, sent flying after 74-year-old driver allegedly runs red light in Ang Mo Kio
Dashcam footage shows the child cycling across a pedestrian crossing before being struck by a Hyundai Avante at an interCredit · Yahoo News Singapore

Key facts

  • A 9-year-old boy was hit by a car while cycling across Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 towards Lentor Gardens at about 2:30 pm on Wednesday, April 29.
  • The driver, a 74-year-old man, was arrested for reckless driving causing hurt.
  • The boy was conscious when taken to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
  • Dashcam footage from SG Road Vigilante shows the traffic light for vehicles was red at the time of the collision.
  • The Hyundai Avante driver allegedly failed to stop at the red light.
  • A woman trailing the boy on a bicycle and a construction worker rushed to help the victim.
  • The driver stepped out of his vehicle, looked at the victim, then re-entered the car.
  • Police investigations are ongoing.

The collision and immediate aftermath

A nine-year-old boy riding a bicycle was sent flying after being hit by a 74-year-old driver who allegedly ran a red light in Ang Mo Kio on Wednesday, April 29. The police and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they were alerted to the accident involving a car and a bicycle along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, towards Lentor Gardens at about 2:30 pm. The cyclist was conscious when taken to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The 74-year-old man was arrested for reckless driving causing hurt by the police. The police also said that investigations are still ongoing.

Dashcam evidence shows red light violation

Dashcam footage from SG Road Vigilante shows the boy cycling across a traffic light before a black Hyundai Avante crashes onto him. In another footage, the traffic light for vehicles is seen as red for vehicles. The boy is later seen being sent flying into the air before he lands face-down in the middle of the road. The footage provides clear visual evidence that the driver failed to stop at the red light, contradicting any potential claim of right-of-way. The Hyundai Avante driver allegedly ran the red light, causing the collision that sent the child airborne.

Bystanders rush to help the injured child

A woman, who was also on a bicycle trailing behind him, can be seen parking her bike before rushing to the victim’s side. A construction worker is also seen rushing over as he helps the woman lift the boy to his legs. He then carries the boy to the side of the road. The driver of the black car can be seen stepping out of his vehicle, looking at the victim before subsequently re-entering it. The woman can later be seen confronting the driver after the boy has been carried away. The actions of the bystanders highlight the immediate community response to the accident.

Legal consequences and ongoing investigation

The 74-year-old driver was arrested on the spot for reckless driving causing hurt, a serious offence under Singapore law. The police have stated that investigations are still ongoing, which may lead to further charges depending on the outcome of the probe. The boy's condition at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital has not been disclosed beyond the fact that he was conscious when admitted. The extent of his injuries remains unknown, but the force of the impact, as seen in the footage, suggests significant trauma.

Wider implications for road safety

This incident has reignited concerns about road safety for cyclists, particularly children, in Singapore. Ang Mo Kio, a mature residential estate, has seen its share of traffic accidents, but the involvement of a young cyclist and an elderly driver highlights vulnerabilities on both sides. The case also underscores the importance of dashcam footage in providing objective evidence in traffic disputes. SG Road Vigilante, a group that shares such footage, has become a key source for authorities and the public in reconstructing accidents.

What comes next

The police investigation will determine whether the driver faces additional charges, such as dangerous driving or causing grievous hurt. The boy's recovery will be closely watched by his family and the community. This case may prompt calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws at pedestrian crossings and for enhanced safety measures for cyclists, especially near schools and residential areas. The outcome could influence future road safety policies in Singapore.

The bottom line

  • A 9-year-old boy was hit by a car while cycling across a pedestrian crossing in Ang Mo Kio after the driver allegedly ran a red light.
  • Dashcam footage confirms the traffic light for vehicles was red at the time of the collision.
  • The 74-year-old driver was arrested for reckless driving causing hurt; investigations are ongoing.
  • Bystanders, including a woman cyclist and a construction worker, provided immediate aid to the injured child.
  • The incident highlights ongoing road safety concerns for cyclists in Singapore and the role of dashcam evidence.
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