Mercedes driver, 42, arrested for drink driving after car hits woman near Esplanade Mall & causes spinal fracture

A 42-year-old man in Singapore was arrested for drink driving after the car he was driving mounted a kerb along Raffles Avenue and hit a female pedestrian.

According to Shin Min Daily News, the incident took place at around 10pm on Sep. 16, near Esplanade Mall.

The female pedestrian was reportedly a tourist from China who was travelling with a group of colleagues.

Woman suffered a spinal fracture

A witness told the Chinese-language newspaper that he saw a woman lying on the ground after she was hit.

She appeared to be conscious but was occasionally touching her lower back, the witness said, adding that several passers-by stepped forward to help her and called for an ambulance.

One of the woman's colleagues, surnamed Zhou, was also injured in the incident.

Zhou told Shin Min that the group had been walking to catch a bus when the accident happened.

According to him, his colleague, who was walking ahead, was struck by the car.

She then collided with him as a result of the impact, causing him to hit a concrete bollard by the roadside.

He also suffered an abrasion to his arm.

Zhou said he initially thought his injuries were minor, but was later taken to an ambulance after experiencing chest tightness and dizziness.

He was later admitted to the hospital and discharged the following day.

Zhou said his female colleague suffered more serious injuries.

Doctors told her that she had suffered a spinal fracture and required surgery, he said.

He added that her family had been notified and were on their way to Singapore from China.

Driver arrested

When Shin Min reporters arrived at the scene, they saw a Mercedes-Benz sedan that had veered onto the side of the road.

Airbags had been deployed, and the front of the vehicle was heavily damaged.

The driver, who was wearing a white shirt, was questioned by police at the scene and was later escorted away at around 11pm.

In response to Mothership's queries, the police said they were alerted to an accident involving a car and two pedestrians along Raffles Avenue at about 10pm.

Separately, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed that a 40-year-old woman and a 41-year-old man were taken to the hospital while conscious.

The 42-year-old male driver was arrested for drink driving and is assisting with investigations.

Driver reeked of alcohol

Speaking to Shin Min, another witness said the driver did not immediately check on the injured woman after getting out of the vehicle, but instead ran towards the bushes at the back.

The witness claimed that the driver reeked of alcohol and appeared to be trying to remain composed.

The same witness also alleged that the driver attempted to shake hands with a police officer when officers arrived, but the officer did not respond.

Zhou similarly said the driver appeared disoriented after getting out of the vehicle and did not seem to realise that he had hit someone.