A 42-year-old man was arrested for suspected drink driving after a Mercedes collided with two pedestrians near Esplanade Mall in Singapore on Sept 16.
The accident happened at about 10pm along Raffles Avenue, where the car also crashed into a bollard and other street fixtures installed ahead of the upcoming Formula One race.
The two pedestrians, a 40-year-old woman and a 41-year-old man, were tourists from China travelling together on a work trip. Both were conscious when they were taken to Singapore General Hospital.
According to the male pedestrian, the pair had been walking with colleagues towards a bus stop when the car suddenly struck them.
The woman suffered more serious injuries and was reportedly diagnosed with a spinal fracture requiring surgery. The man experienced chest pain and dizziness after the collision and was also taken to hospital.
An eyewitness said the Mercedes driver appeared to leave the vehicle after the crash without immediately checking on the injured pedestrians. The eyewitness also claimed the driver appeared to smell of alcohol.
Police officers arrived at the scene and arrested the driver. The Singapore Police Force confirmed that he was arrested for drink driving and is assisting with investigations.
The accident left the Mercedes with significant damage, while its airbags were deployed following the collision.
The incident occurred as Singapore prepares for the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, which will take place at the Marina Bay Street Circuit from Oct 8 to 10. The car reportedly struck infrastructure being put in place for the event.
Police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force confirmed that they were alerted to the accident at around 10pm. Investigations are ongoing.
The case comes after Singapore recently passed tougher traffic laws targeting drink driving and other dangerous driving offences, with changes including a lower prescribed alcohol limit for motorists.
Authorities have continued to warn motorists against driving after consuming alcohol, particularly as impaired driving can increase the risk of serious accidents involving pedestrians and other road users.
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