An Indonesian maid has been charged with causing grievous hurt by a rash act following a tragic incident that led to the fatal run-over of a four-year-old girl in River Valley area.
The accused, Lilyana Eva, 32, appeared in court on November 6, facing accusations relating to the incident that occurred shortly before 5 PM on January 23, 2024, as per the CNA report.
According to court documents, Lilyana failed to ensure the safety of Zara Mei Orlic while attempting to cross at an unsignalised junction along Institution Hill.
The maid reportedly did not hold onto the child’s hand, which allowed Zara to dart across the road unsupervised and subsequently be struck by a vehicle. Zara was immediately rushed to Singapore General Hospital but sadly passed away later that evening from her injuries.
The accident involved a car driven by a 40-year-old Australian woman, which hit Zara as she emerged onto the roadway. The vehicle collided with the child in the second lane, resulting in traumatic injuries to her leg and head.
A coroner’s court investigation revealed that Zara’s short stature only 100cm contributed to her being obscured from the driver’s view, as she appeared in in-vehicle footage for just one second before the tragic impact, the report added.
In July, Coroner Eddy Tham described the incident as a road traffic accident that serves as an important reminder for caregivers of young children.
“a timely reminder to caregivers of young children of the importance of road safety in that they must always hold the hand of a young child when crossing the road”.
The coroner’s remarks highlighted the reality that a child’s smaller physical build can lead to them being hidden from view by surrounding vehicles or objects, which can drastically increase the risk of such accidents.
In light of these findings, he called for heightened awareness among caregivers regarding road safety practices.
Lilyana began her employment with the Orlic family in October 2023 and is currently seeking legal representation for her defense. During the court session, she expressed her desire to appoint a lawyer, with the court suggesting she may explore options under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme to assist with her case.
The legal repercussions for causing grievous hurt through a rash act can be severe.
If convicted, Lilyana could face a jail term of up to four years, a fine of up to S$10,000, or possibly both. The case has been adjourned until November 13.
Image via google for illustration
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