Driver in crash that killed prof was checking GPS on phone
The Straits Times|May 03, 2024
He says he was in a state of panic when he told police officer he had fallen asleep at the wheel
Andrew Wong
Driver in crash that killed prof was checking GPS on phone

The driver of a lorry involved in a crash that claimed the life of an NUS law professor said he lost control of his vehicle when he took his eyes off the road to look at his GPS.

Natarajan Mohanraj, 26, had earlier told a police officer at the crash site that the accident on July 7, 2023, happened after he fell asleep at the wheel.

The lorry he was driving veered across three lanes before crashing into oncoming traffic, including a car driven by Emeritus Professor Tan Yock Lin.

The senior law professor was 70.

At the coroner's inquiry on May 2, Natarajan, an Indian national, said he told the police officer he was sleepy as he was in a state of panic after the accident.

This story is from the May 03, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 03, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE STRAITS TIMESView All
The Straits Times

THE NEW BERNABEU A REAL PROBLEM

Locals and neighbourhood residents hate noise from concerts and construction work

time-read
2 mins  |
October 10, 2024
Japan seek to beat the heat and Saudi Arabia
The Straits Times

Japan seek to beat the heat and Saudi Arabia

HONG KONG - Japan face second-placed Saudi Arabia in Group C of Asia's third round of World Cup qualifiers in Jeddah on Oct 10, looking to continue their prolific start as top-of-the-table clashes take centre stage across the continent.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 10, 2024
The Straits Times

Police investigating Spanish pair over protests in S'pore

A Spanish man and woman in their 30s are assisting the police with investigations after photos appeared on social media of the man holding a banner in various parts of Singapore to protest against Singaporean business magnate Peter Lim, who owns Spanish top-tier football club Valencia.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 10, 2024
The Straits Times

FROM SAUDI SPLURGE TO SPENDING SLUMP

Football transfer outlay drops in 2024 as officials assess the commercial returns

time-read
3 mins  |
October 10, 2024
Future looks bright for America's Cup: Ainslie
The Straits Times

Future looks bright for America's Cup: Ainslie

BARCELONA - Sailing has a great opportunity to develop as a sport if the America's Cup can involve more frequent events and evolve the boats now being raced, according to British skipper Ben Ainslie.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 10, 2024
The Straits Times

Sport can be 'solution multiplier' for climate

LONDON – Sports clubs and organisations must raise their game and become leaders in the battle to prevent catastrophic climate change, Sport England chairman Chris Boardman said on Oct 8.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 10, 2024
SINNER TO BE GIVEN NO QUARTER
The Straits Times

SINNER TO BE GIVEN NO QUARTER

Medvedev vows to put up a better fight against world No. 1 in Shanghai last eight

time-read
3 mins  |
October 10, 2024
The Straits Times

Ryder Cup captains won't exclude LIV Golf players

NEW YORK - Ryder Cup captains Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald said on Oct 8 that they will not shy away from including LIV Golf players in their respective teams for the 2025 biennial showdown between the United States and Europe.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 10, 2024
MISTY SWIFT EARNS EVEN MORE FANS AT TRIALS
The Straits Times

MISTY SWIFT EARNS EVEN MORE FANS AT TRIALS

Ex-Kranji runner No More Delay also struts his stuff at hit-outs

time-read
3 mins  |
October 10, 2024
The Straits Times

MediShield Life can be made more effective. Its review holds the key

We must incentivise outpatient treatment and accept that, in some cases, personalised medicine can save lives.

time-read
6 mins  |
October 10, 2024