64-Year-Old Man Who Killed Two Maids In Lucky Plaza Tragedy Last Year Charged In Court

Last year, tragedy struck just three days before the new year when two Filipino maids were killed in a horrific crash at Lucky Plaza.

Seven Filipinas were having a picnic outside Lucky Plaza when a black Honda Vezel suddenly raced towards them at a high speed.

According to The New Paper, passers-by shouted at them to move but it was too late; the car crashed into them and ploughed through a metal railing surrounding the mall.

The horrifying accident left two women dead and four others with injuries.

Now, the 64-year-old driver behind the wheel of the Vezel has to face the consequences of his reckless act.

64-Year-Old Man Who Killed Two Maids In Lucky Plaza Tragedy Last Year Charged In Court

The driver, Chong Kim Hoe, was charged on Wednesday (2 Sep) under the Road Traffic Act.

His offences include dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing grievous hurt, and dangerous driving causing hurt, reported CNA. 

On 29 Dec last year, groups of people had gathered in Nutmeg Road in celebration of the holiday season.

One group included seven Filipinas, who were were having a picnic outside Lucky Plaza.

According to an eyewitness, the black Vezel was originally at the drop-off point of Lucky Plaza Apartment in Nutmeg Road before it turned into Jalan Kayu Manis – a side road – to make a U-turn.

The driver lost control of his car when he was exiting the cul-de-sac, and ended up crashing into the seven Filipinas.

The car then plunged into a carpark service road below, taking four women with it and pinning one of them under it.

One of the victims was reportedly trapped underneath the Vezel; four bystanders rushed to lift the car to free the trapped woman.

She had a gaping wound on her head which was bleeding profusely.

There were six casualties in total. Four women, aged 37 to 56, were conveyed conscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

Sadly, Abigail Danao Leste, 41, and Arlyn Picar Nucos, 50, died from their injuries in the hospital.

All six victims were domestic helpers from the Philippines working in Singapore, according to CNA.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with the victims, and deepest condolences to the deceased’s families”, the Centre for Domestic Employees said.

Driver Was Working For Grab

The driver who was arrested was identified as a private-hire vehicle driver with Grab. However, he was not on any job at the time and has since been suspended on its platform.

He is currently out on bail and will return to court on 25 Sep.

If he is found guilty, the 64-year-old could be imprisoned for up to 8 years.

Both the bodies of Leste and Nucos have since been repatriated to the Philippines.

Many members of the public had come forward to give donations to the families of the deceased victims.