Singapore Prison Service files police report after prison vehicle damages car in Simei

The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) has lodged a police report following an accident involving one of its prison transport vehicles, which resulted in damage to the side mirror of a private car. The incident occurred on Tuesday, 8 October 2024, along Simei Street 3, around 9.20am.

According to a statement from SPS released on Facebook on Wednesday afternoon, the transport vehicle was carrying inmates and escorting officers from Changi Prison Complex. The group was on their way to Changi General Hospital (CGH) for medical appointments when the incident occurred.

The accident took place about 400 metres from CGH when the right side of the SPS vehicle came into contact with the left side of a private car travelling in the adjacent lane.

Dashcam footage of the incident, recorded from the affected car, was shared on the Facebook group SG Road Vigilante on Wednesday.

The video shows an object falling onto the road as the SPS vehicle passed by. However, the SPS vehicle did not stop after the collision.

According to the post accompanying the video, the car owner reported hearing a "knocking sound" and subsequently found their left side mirror "slightly damaged."

In its statement, SPS acknowledged that the driver of the prison transport vehicle did not follow the organisation’s standard operating procedures.

SPS procedures dictate that drivers must stop their vehicle to assess any damage or injuries after an accident. "We regret that our staff in the SPS vehicle had failed to stop the vehicle after the accident," the agency stated.

Following the incident, SPS reached out to the private car driver involved and assured that it would cooperate fully with the ongoing police investigations.

"We lodged a police report soon after the accident and will co-operate fully with the police on the investigations," the SPS added.

The Singapore Police Force confirmed with local media that a police report was lodged regarding the incident, and investigations are currently underway. There were no reports of injuries as a result of the accident.

This incident has drawn attention due to the involvement of a government agency and the release of dashcam footage on social media. Online reactions have varied, with some questioning the actions of the SPS vehicle driver and others calling for accountability.

The SG Road Vigilante Facebook group, where the video was shared, is known for highlighting traffic incidents and road safety issues in Singapore. Posts such as these often spark public discussions around road safety and the responsibilities of government-operated vehicles.

SPS, responsible for managing the safe and secure custody of inmates, stressed its commitment to following proper protocols and ensuring the safety of both the public and those under its care.

The agency did not provide further details regarding any disciplinary actions against the driver involved, stating that it would await the outcome of the police investigation before deciding on any further steps.