On February 9, 2024, a routine errand turned into a life-altering ordeal for nine-year-old Nurshafira Ariana Norazmi. While crossing a road junction at Gangsa Road and Bukit Panjang Road, she was struck by a taxi despite having the green light at the pedestrian crossing in her favor.
The impact left the young girl with multiple injuries, including lacerations on her scalp, chin, and ear, a chipped front tooth, and a deep wound on her left arm. Recalling the moment, Nurshafira, now 11, described feeling numb rather than immediate pain, noting, “I remember getting hit, but I don’t remember getting up immediately. At that point, I didn’t feel much pain. It was like my body was numb.”
A Father’s Perspective
Her father, Mr. Norazmi Makmor, was in his bedroom preparing to pray when he heard a commotion. Upon seeing his daughter covered in red stains, he initially mistook the blood for watercolours. Having served 30 years with the Singapore Civil Defence Force, Mr. Norazmi was no stranger to trauma, yet the personal nature of this incident left a lasting mark. “The first thing that came to mind when I saw her covered in blood was that I would lose her,” he said.
The incident was interrupted by Sergeant Eugene Wee, an off-duty police officer from the Marina Bay Neighbourhood Police Centre. Sgt Wee, who witnessed the collision while driving, immediately positioned his vehicle to prevent the taxi from leaving the scene. He subsequently detained the driver and coordinated emergency assistance. A doctor who happened to be at the scene also provided aid, escorting the girl to her home nearby until an ambulance arrived.
Did You Know?
Despite his extensive background in emergency response—including service with the Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team—Mr. Norazmi stated that he never expected to face such a situation involving his own child.
The Broader Road Safety Landscape
The driver, aged 72, was later penalised with a composition fine of $500 and nine demerit points for driving without reasonable consideration, causing hurt. This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing road safety concerns. In 2025, traffic deaths reached a 10-year high with 149 fatalities, and injuries rose to 9,955, up from 9,342 in 2024.
Expert Insight:
The rising trend of traffic-related injuries and fatalities underscores a critical tension between urban mobility and pedestrian safety. When road users—both drivers and pedestrians—fail to account for the vulnerability of others, the consequences are often irreversible. Advocacy for increased attentiveness is a necessary, if difficult, step in mitigating these risks on busy roads.
Looking Ahead
As Nurshafira continues to recover, she has expressed a desire for greater awareness, telling her friends to check in all directions before crossing. Public discourse regarding road safety will continue to intensify as families and authorities grapple with these rising injury figures. Future measures could include more stringent enforcement or increased public education campaigns aimed at drivers, as urged by those affected by such accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the legal consequences for the driver?
The 72-year-old driver was penalised with a composition fine of $500 and nine demerit points for driving without reasonable consideration, causing hurt.
How did the authorities become involved at the scene?
An off-duty police officer, Sergeant Eugene Wee, witnessed the accident, detained the driver, and called for an ambulance and police assistance.
What is the current state of road safety in the region?
Traffic deaths reached a 10-year high in 2025 with 149 people killed, while the number of injuries rose from 9,342 in 2024 to 9,955 in 2025.
What steps do you believe are most effective in protecting pedestrians in high-traffic urban areas?
