Overview of the Case
A domestic helper in Singapore went on trial on October 15 for alleged negligence in connection with a fatal road accident involving a four-year-old girl in River Valley. The girl died after being struck while crossing a road along Institution Hill as she was being accompanied home from preschool.
The accused, Lilyana Eva, a 33-year-old Indonesian national, faces a charge of committing a negligent act endangering the girl’s life. The charge centers on Lilyana’s management of the child’s safety as they walked home from the preschool, during which the child crossed a bi-directional dual-lane carriageway without Lilyana holding her hand firmly.
What Happened on Jan 23, 2024
According to the coroner’s inquiry, Lilyana had picked up the victim and her younger sister from the preschool in the afternoon. She carried the girls’ school bags and held the hand of the younger sister as they walked upslope on Institution Hill. The trio decided to cross the road at a point where visibility is limited due to the road’s layout.
As they crossed, the four-year-old started running toward the opposite pavement. Lilyana was approximately three steps behind the child when a car struck the girl in the second lane. The impact caused fatal injuries and the girl died later that day in hospital.
Traffic Details and Investigation
During the coroner’s inquiry, police indicated the driver, a 40-year-old Australian woman, was not driving at high speed. Footage from inside a vehicle showed the girl for only a brief moment before the collision, and the girl’s height at about 100 cm made her difficult to spot from the driver’s perspective. The coroner’s report noted multiple blunt force injuries to the head and face, culminating in a fatal head injury.
Prosecution efforts included a gag order on identifying information related to the victim and her family, with the order remaining in effect while the trial proceeds. The order does not cover Lilyana or the road where the incident occurred.
The Court Session
The trial began with District Judge Ong Luan Tze, following preliminary arguments about the gag order. The first witness, forensic pathologist Wu Jia Hao, described the victim’s injuries and cause of death in detail, labeling the primary cause as a head injury resulting from multiple blunt force traumas. The testimony provided crucial context for assessing the alleged negligence in supervision and road-crossing safety.
Following Wu’s testimony, the court adjourned the proceedings to a later date in November. Lilyana is represented by counsel Mr Alfred Dodwell and Ms Lolita Andrew. Observers from the Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME) attended to support Lilyana, who has been staying at HOME’s shelter since investigations began. She is no longer employed by the victim’s family.
Legal Implications and Possible Outcomes
If found guilty of committing a negligent act endangering life, Lilyana could face up to three months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$1,500, or both. The case highlights ongoing concerns about road safety, child supervision in transit with caregivers, and the responsibilities of domestic helpers who accompany children home from school.
What Comes Next
The trial is set to resume in November with additional witnesses and evidence to be presented. The public and press continue to monitor the proceedings, which seek to determine whether Lilyana’s actions crossed the legal threshold for negligence and whether the tragedy could have been prevented with different supervision or safer crossing practices.
