Overview of the Case
A domestic helper in Singapore went on trial on October 15, charged with a negligent act endangering life in connection with a fatal River Valley car accident. The incident involved a four-year-old girl who died after being struck by a car while being walked home from preschool. The court is weighing whether the helper’s actions, during the child’s crossing of a road, constituted a negligent act that endangered the child’s life.
What Happened on the Day
According to the prosecution, a 33-year-old Indonesian national, Lilyana Eva, was accompanying the two young girls from their preschool when the tragedy occurred in January 2024. The trio was walking along Institution Hill when they decided to cross a bi-directional dual-lane carriageway. The four-year-old, who was strapped with a school bag, crossed with Lilyana holding the younger sister’s hand and the two bags in her care. The girl, standing at about 100 cm tall, was behind Lilyana just before the crossing but moved ahead to reach the pavement on the opposite side.
The Moment of Impact and Aftermath
As the children prepared to reach the other side, the victim ran across the second lane. Lilyana, just a few steps behind, did not appear to be able to prevent the child from entering the second lane in time. A car driven by a 40-year-old Australian woman struck the girl, who suffered a fatal head injury and multiple skull and facial fractures. The driver was not charged in connection with the incident. Traffic police described the vehicle’s speed as not excessive, and in-vehicle footage showed the child for only a brief moment before the collision. The coroner’s inquiry highlighted the child’s short stature as a factor in why she was not visible to the driver from the point of view captured on the video.
Legal Proceedings and Gag Order
The trial is presided over by District Judge Ong Luan Tze. A major point of contention on the morning of the hearing was the prosecution’s request for a gag order. The judge granted a detailed gag order to protect the identity of the victim, her family, and their home, limiting public discussion about the case. The order does not apply to Lilyana or the exact crossing location, allowing coverage of the defence and the legal process while safeguarding the anonymity of those affected by the incident.
Witness Testimony
The prosecution’s first witness, forensic pathologist Wu Jia Hao, described the breadth of injuries suffered by the girl. The medical expert conveyed that the fatal injuries stemmed from a head injury characterized by several blunt force trauma injuries. In explaining the cause of death, Mr. Wu outlined the multiple skull and facial fractures that occurred due to the impact. The testimony set the stage for ongoing forensic analysis, with the court adjourning to a later date in November for further examination of the medical findings.
Potential Consequences
Should Lilyana Eva be found guilty of a negligent act endangering life, the penalties include a possible fine up to S$1,500 or a maximum three-month jail sentence, or both. The case continues as the defense, led by Alfred Dodwell and Lolita Andrew, cross-examines witnesses and presents arguments surrounding the responsibility for the child’s safety during the crossing and the level of care expected from a caregiver in such a setting. The involvement of the non-governmental organization Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME) underscores the broader context of migrant workers’ welfare and legal protection in Singapore.
Broader Context
Officers highlighted the importance of supervising children near vehicular traffic and ensuring safe crossing practices, especially in urban corridors like Institution Hill. This case contributes to ongoing public discussions about road safety, caregiver accountability, and the balance between caregiver duties and the obligations of school transportation providers. The court will continue to hear testimony through November as it weighs the evidence and determines whether Lilyana’s actions crossed the threshold into negligence under Singaporean law.
