A 44-year-old man, Yoong Kok Kai, is facing serious legal consequences after a night of excessive drinking led to a high-speed crash at Tuas Checkpoint, leaving auxiliary police officer Ng Yi Shu, 30, in a vegetative state. Yoong has pleaded guilty to causing grievous hurt by dangerous driving and driving under the influence. His sentencing is scheduled for March 17, 2025.
On March 23, 2023, Yoong began drinking at 5 PM at a restaurant, consuming 1½ pints of beer before heading to another eatery where he drank whiskey. Later, he visited a pub and shared a three-litre beer tower with a waitress. Despite being intoxicated, he decided to drive home at 11:40 PM.
For unknown reasons, he ended up near Tuas Checkpoint instead of heading home to Yishun. Speed cameras recorded him driving at 134 km/h on the Ayer Rajah Expressway, far exceeding the 90 km/h limit. Approaching Tuas Checkpoint, he was still speeding at 119 km/h in a 50 km/h zone.
As he reached a bend near the checkpoint, safety bollards had been placed to block a lane. Instead of slowing down, Yoong maintained his high speed. Losing control of his car, he veered off course, crashing through two speed humps meant to slow vehicles before the checkpoint.
Mr. Ng, on duty at the time, noticed the vehicle’s dangerous approach and attempted to move to safety, stepping onto a divider behind a bollard and gantry. However, Yoong’s Lexus failed to stay in its lane, mounted a curb, and struck him directly, sending him flying into the air before he landed face-first.
The crash also caused damage to multiple structures, including two gantry barriers, a traffic light pole, and an observation hut. Repair costs exceeded $37,000, and Yoong has not made any restitution.
Mr. Ng was rushed to the hospital with severe traumatic brain injuries and extensive facial fractures. After multiple surgeries, he remains bedbound, non-communicative, and reliant on a feeding tube. His medical and nursing home bills have surpassed $455,000, with his family still covering more than $10,000 in out-of-pocket expenses.
Yoong was found to have 153 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, nearly double the legal limit of 80 mg. The prosecution has recommended a four-year jail term, a $10,000 fine, and a 10-year driving ban, emphasizing that Yoong’s reckless actions have permanently altered the victim’s life. His sentencing will take place on March 17.
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