Overview of the Case
A domestic helper appeared in a Singapore court on Wednesday to face a charge of committing a negligent act endangering a child’s life, in connection with a fatal road accident in River Valley. The incident involved a four-year-old girl who was attempting to cross a road while being escorted home from preschool.
What Happened
According to proceedings, the helper, a 33-year-old Indonesian national named Lilyana Eva, was taking the two young children home when a car ran over the four-year-old along Institution Hill. The child’s name is protected by a court-imposed gag order, which also covers her parents and siblings, their home address, and the preschool.
It was alleged that Lilyana allowed the child to cross the road without holding onto her. The girl subsequently ran across a bi-directional dual-lane carriageway and was struck by an oncoming vehicle driven by a 40-year-old Australian woman, who has not been charged in relation to the incident.
Court Background
The coroner’s inquiry previously noted that Lilyana had collected the two children from their preschool that afternoon and carried their school bags while holding the hand of the younger sister. She stated she was not using any mobile device at the time. The trio decided to cross the road upslope along Institution Hill, and the younger child began crossing ahead of the group. Lilyana was a few steps behind when the collision occurred in the second lane. The victim died in hospital on the day of the accident.
Police and coroner’s officials described the driver as not speeding, with footage showing the girl appeared in view for only about one second before the collision. The height of the child (about 100 cm) meant she was largely obscured from the driver’s view.
Legal Proceedings
The trial, presided over by District Judge Ong Luan Tze, opened with discussions over a gag order that restricts identifying details related to the victim and her family. The gag order does not apply to Lilyana or to the River Valley road where the accident occurred.
The prosecution’s first witness, forensic pathologist Wu Jia Hao, described the injuries as extensive: multiple skull and facial fractures and a head injury resulting from blunt force trauma. His testimony indicated a compressive impact that led to the fatal injuries. The court adjourned after his brief statement, with further testimony scheduled for November.
Defence and Public Interest
Lilyana is represented by defence lawyers Alfred Dodwell and Lolita Andrew. She has been staying at a shelter run by the Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME) since investigations began and is no longer employed by the victim’s family. The case highlights the delicate balance between safeguarding child safety and the rights of domestic workers facing serious charges.
Possible Penalties
If convicted of committing a negligent act endangering life, Lilyana could face a maximum penalty of three months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$1,500, or both. The proceedings continue in November with further witness testimony expected.
As this case unfolds, observers and families alike are watching for clarity on how responsibilities are shared in daily caregiving roles and what safeguards are most effective in preventing similar tragedies in densely populated city environments.
