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Coroner Urges Public to Avoid Telegram Carpooling After Fatal Crash

 



A state coroner has issued a stark warning about the dangers of unregulated carpooling services, such as those offered on Telegram, following the death of a 21-year-old passenger in a road accident.

On December 31, 2023, Michael Ong Wee Siong was travelling in a van along the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) towards Tuas when the vehicle collided with a lorry and flipped over. Mr Ong, who was seated in the front passenger seat, suffered fatal neck injuries and likely succumbed to them before emergency responders could extricate him from the wreckage.

The driver of the van was only 18 years old at the time and did not hold a Class 3 Driving Licence or even a Provisional Driving Licence. According to the coroner’s report, the driver had no authorisation to use the van from its registered owner and was unlikely to have had significant driving experience.

Investigations revealed that the driver had been offering rides through a Telegram carpooling chat, where unlicensed drivers ferry passengers for a fee. While it was not determined whether Mr Ong had paid for the ride, the coroner emphasized that these unregulated services lack proper safety measures. Unlike licensed carpooling services, which have insurance and background checks for drivers, Telegram-based carpooling exposes passengers to significant risks.

High-Speed Crash on the PIE

Footage from the lorry involved in the crash showed that the van was approaching at a significantly higher speed. The coroner suggested that the van driver may have attempted to overtake the lorry by filtering right or tried to avoid a collision at the last moment. Due to his inexperience, he may have miscalculated the van’s speed and its distance from the lorry.

Instead of successfully overtaking, the van struck the lorry’s right rear side, causing it to be launched into the air. The vehicle flipped mid-air before crashing onto the road in an upside-down position.

Mr Ong suffered severe trauma from the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Illegal Carpooling Risks & Government Warnings

The coroner reiterated that vans are not public service vehicles under Singapore’s Road Traffic Act and cannot be used for passenger transport unless the passengers are company employees or require emergency medical transport.

Unlicensed carpooling services, such as those found on Telegram, have raised concerns among authorities due to their lack of regulation. Unlike taxis and private-hire vehicles, these rides do not have proper insurance coverage, leaving passengers vulnerable in the event of an accident.

The Singapore government has consistently advised against using such services, emphasizing that licensed ride-hailing and taxi services provide better safety standards.

A Strong Warning from the Coroner

State Coroner Adam Nakhoda stressed that engaging with unlicensed carpooling drivers significantly increases the risk of accidents due to inexperienced or unqualified drivers. He warned that passengers who use such services may not be covered by insurance in the event of injuries or fatalities.

Travellers are strongly urged to opt for safer alternatives such as private-hire cars, taxis, or public transport instead of unregulated carpooling platforms.

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Location: Singapore

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