GetGo driver, 41, of fatal Geylang pasar malam crash, to be charged for driving under influence of etomidate

A 41-year-old GetGo driver who was arrested following the fatal Geylang pasar malam crash in 2025 will be charged in court on Sep. 2, 2026, for driving under the influence of etomidate and dangerous driving causing death.

A 66-year-old pasar malam stall attendant had died after the car crashed into her stall while she was manning it.

Accident

According to a Sep. 1 police news release, the police were alerted at about 11:45pm on Jul. 11, 2025, to an accident involving a car and a woman along Pipit Road, near Block 52A Circuit Road.

Investigations revealed that the car driver had lost control of the car.

The car surged forward, crashing through a car park barrier before crossing the two-lane Pipit Road, the release stated.

It then mounted the kerb before colliding into a temporary night market stall along the roadside.

Following this, the stall attendant was pronounced dead at the scene by an SCDF paramedic.

Fled scene, identified

However, the driver, then 40, did not render assistance to the woman.

Instead, he allegedly abandoned the vehicle before fleeing the scene with another male passenger, the release stated.

Officers from the Traffic Police (TP) established the identity of the car driver through extensive ground inquiries and with the aid of images from CCTVs.

They arrested him on Jul. 12, 2025, within 15 hours of the accident.

Preliminary investigations further revealed that the man did not possess a valid driving licence and had used a vaporiser containing etomidate before driving.

The vehicle was rented using the account of the male passenger, who possessed a valid driving licence.

No further action will be taken against the passenger as he has passed away from an unrelated road traffic accident.

Offences

The release noted that the man will be charged in court for the following offences.

Driving under the influence of drugs

If convicted of driving under the influence of drugs under Section 67(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, he could be given a fine ranging from S$2,000 to S$10,000, or jailed up to 12 months, or both.

In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, the offence carries a fine ranging from S$5,000 to S$20,000, and a jail term of up to two years.

Offenders may also face disqualification from driving all classes of vehicles.

Dangerous driving

If convicted of dangerous driving under Section 64(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, he could be given a fine ranging from S$2,000 to S$10,000 or a jail term not exceeding 12 months or to both, in addition a fine not exceeding S$5,000 or a jail term not exceeding 12 months, or both.

Offenders may also face disqualification from driving all classes of vehicles.

Dangerous driving causing death

He will be charged with dangerous driving causing death under Section 64(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, which carries a jail term of not less than one year and not more than two years, in addition to a jail term of up to eight years.

Offenders may also face disqualification from driving all classes of vehicles.

Driving without valid driving licence

The man will also be charged with driving without a valid driving licence under Section 35(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, which carries a fine of up to S$10,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both.

Repeat offenders are liable to a fine of up to S$20,000, a jail term of up to six years or both. The vehicle may also be forfeited.

Using vehicle without insurance coverage

The man will also be charged with the offence of using vehicle without insurance coverage under Section 3(1) of the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks & Compensation) Act 1960, which carries a fine of up to S$1,000, or a jail term of up to three months, or both, and disqualification from driving all classes of vehicles.

Failing to stop and provide particulars after an accident

If convicted of failing to stop and provide particulars after an accident under Section 84(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, he could be fined up to S$1,000, or jailed up to three months, or both.

Repeat offenders are liable for a fine of up to S$2,000, or a jail term of up to six months, or both.

Failing to render assistance after fatal accident

If convicted of failing to render assistance under Section 84(3) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, the man could be fined up to S$3,000, or jailed up to 12 months, or both.

Repeat offenders are liable for a fine of up to S$5,000, or a jail term of up to two years, or both.

Offenders may be disqualified from driving all classes of vehicles for at least 12 months.