Jogger hunting cab driver in hit-and-run

The victim of a hit-and-run accident is on a mission to track down a taxi driver who sped off after knocking her down at a road junction.

Ms Elise Tay was involved in the accident on Monday night at around 8.15pm.

The 27-year-old was jogging at the junction of Jalan Bukit Merah and Kampong Bahru Road, with the green man flashing in her favour.

But a red Trans-Cab taxi, which was turning right onto the road, did not stop and it hit her, according to a video she posted on her Facebook page yesterday.

The 17-second clip was provided by another driver.

Ms Tay, a marketing assistant manager, also posted an appeal for help on Facebook.

"(The driver) didn't stop or attempt to slow down and simply drove off. I'm just thankful that I was paying a little attention and wasn't running faster than I was," she wrote. "(If) anyone's around the area during that time and you saw anything, please let me know."

The incident left Ms Tay with a head injury, bruised ribs and lacerations on her arms.

Her brother, who was jogging behind her, took her to the Singapore General Hospital, where she was warded for a day.

She told The Straits Times yesterday: "When I saw the taxi coming towards me, I slowed down and stopped but it was too late for me to step backwards.

"It hurts when I walk or breathe, but it could have been a lot worse."

She added that it was "shocking and ridiculous" that the taxi driver did not stop.

She has filed a police report and the matter is being investigated.

Ms Tay is hoping that someone with a camera managed to capture the licence plate of the taxi that knocked her down.

The video footage on Ms Tay's Facebook page was provided by sales manager David Teo, 40, who was on the other side of the road when she was hit. It did not show the car's plate number.

Mr Teo said: "I got out and asked if she was all right because it looked quite bad.

"Logically, the driver would have noticed the impact and I was expecting him to stop."

A spokesman for Trans-Cab said the company is aware of the case, and will be contacting Ms Tay to seek more information.

She added: "Currently, we are in the process of tracking the taxi...

"If we are able to trace the driver, we will not hesitate to terminate his service with our company."

limyihan@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on July 8, 2015.
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