77-year-old petrol station worker dies after being hit by reversing car at Geylang Esso
He was reportedly preparing to refuel the vehicle when it suddenly reversed.
A 77-year-old petrol station employee died on July 8, 11 days after he was hit by a reversing car at an Esso station along Geylang Road.
According to Shin Min Daily News, the incident happened in the early hours of June 28, at around 2.20am.
The worker was reportedly preparing to refuel the vehicle at the petrol station located at 638 Geylang Roadwhen it suddenly reversed and knocked him down.
He was taken conscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
A 24-year-old male driver has been arrested, police confirmed in response to queries from Shin Min Daily News. Investigations are ongoing.
Victim described as kind and helpful
When Shin Min visited the petrol station on July 9, a nearby worker who did not wish to be named said he learned about the incident from a friend and arrived to see the elderly man lying on the ground.
"As far as I know, the vehicle had pulled up to Pump Number 4. The uncle went over to provide service, but it suddenly reversed and hit him," the worker said.
The manager on duty at the Cheers convenience store located within the station declined to give details, citing the ongoing police investigation. However, he described the victim as a kind and helpful individual who got along well with colleagues.
Another staff member mentioned that the victim had worked at the petrol station for around two years.
Most who had interacted with him said he was friendly and approachable. A person who worked nearby shared that the uncle would always smile and exchange pleasantries whenever he knocked off from work.
Witness: Car had probation plate
An eyewitness told Shin Min Daily News that the car involved had a "probation plate", which indicates that the driver was newly licensed.
The same observation was made by a reader who wrote in to Shin Min, identifying the driver as a "young man".
FairPrice Group, which operates the Esso station, confirmed the worker's death and said it is supporting his family.
"In this extremely difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the deceased's loved ones and are committed to offering them all the support and assistance they may need," its spokesperson said.
It added that further details cannot be disclosed at this time due to the ongoing police investigation.
The police are appealing for witnesses who were at the Esso station at 638 Geylang Road at around 2.20am on June 28.