2 killed and 1 hospitalised after driver smashes into pillar near Istana rear gate

Two people were killed and one was hospitalised after a private-hire car driver crashed into a pillar near the rear gate of the Istana on Saturday (Dec 16), at around 6am.

The incident happened along Cavenagh Road towards Orchard Road.

The two deceased have been identified as the driver himself, Mr Khairul Anwar, 25, and a female passenger, Ms Nurul Filzah, 21. 

Reporters rushed down to the scene and saw that the area was littered with glass fragments and automobile parts, including a broken front bumper and a headlight.

They also observed that a metal gate had been dislodged and sent flying over 10 metres from the impact of the collision, landing on a grass patch on Istana. 

A witness told Shin Min Daily News that he was passing by when he saw a small car wedged in the small passage into Istana.

He said:

“The front of the car was completely flattened.

“It was damaged beyond recognition.

“I believe there must have been quite an impact.”

Another witness suspected that the car could have been speeding and lost control, judging from the extensive damage.

According to Shin Min Daily News, during the time of the accident, the driver had just exited Bukit Timah Road and was driving on Cavenagh Road, when he suddenly crashed into the pillar. 

Reporters later found out that Ms Nurul and the other male passenger, 28, were a couple and sat on the back passenger seat during the time of the incident. 

In response to media queries, a police spokesman said that a 25-year-old male driver and a 21-year-old female passenger were conveyed unconscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where they subsequently died from their injuries.

Another 28-year-old male passenger was conscious when taken to the hospital. 

Police investigations are ongoing.