A wall and a bush may have prevented approaching drivers from seeing a seven-year-old girl who was fatally struck by a school bus at The Topiary condominium in Sengkang, a coroner said on 7 October 2026.
State Coroner Adam Nakhoda concluded that Nivya Rameshwar’s death resulted from a traffic accident, with no foul play. The Primary 2 pupil was hit on 15 August 2024 while waiting for her own school bus at a service road within the condo. The bus that hit her was not her bus. It had come to the condo to pick up another child.
Wall And Bush Raised Visibility Concerns
The wall near the collision site exceeded 1.8m in height, while the bush measured 1.4m, according to CNA’s report of the findings.
The coroner said these features could conceal pedestrians waiting to cross the service road. Reducing their height would help drivers and pedestrians see each other.
The court also heard that parents had voted to allow school buses onto the service road. Buses had originally stopped near the condo’s main entrance, but parents had complained about the distance and having to get their children up earlier.
Helper Had Planned To Return For Nivya
Evidence presented at the inquiry described how Nivya’s helper had asked her to remain near a gate while she took the girl’s bags across the road. She intended to return and carry Nivya across.
The helper said she looked back during the crossing and saw Nivya still waiting. After putting down the bags, she turned again and realised the girl was no longer there.
Driver Phua Hak Heong told investigators he had given way to the helper, then continued driving. He said he had not seen Nivya before feeling a collision at the front-right of his bus.
Nivya was taken to Sengkang General Hospital, where she died shortly afterwards.
Inquiry Did Not Determine Liability
Mr Nakhoda said the inquiry was not deciding whether the driver had been distracted, driven rashly or failed to keep a proper lookout.
A coroner’s inquiry examines the circumstances of a death. As the Attorney-General’s Chambers explains, it is not a criminal trial and does not decide whether someone is criminally liable.
Mr Phua had not been charged over the incident as of the 7 October hearing.
Lawyer Lolita Andrew told CNA that the family intends to bring civil proceedings against the driver and condominium. She also said the family did not blame the helper.
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Nivya’s mother, Neela Kanagasundaram, recalled the affection and kindness her daughter had shown.
