Taxi driver dies in freak accident while helping passengers unload luggage

A taxi driver died in a freak accident after he was pinned between the door and door frame of his cab.

The cabby, surnamed Tee, 66, had been getting out of his taxi to help his passengers unload their luggage when the vehicle began moving forward and collided with a lorry parked by the roadside, reported Shin Min Daily News.

A coroner's inquiry into Tee's death was opened on Thursday (Sept 24). His wife, son, and daughter attended the inquiry.

The court heard from a traffic police investigation officer that the incident was reported at 12.50am on Feb 24, 2025, along Jalan Besar Road.

Tee had picked up two passengers from Changi Airport and drove them to their residence, which was near The Noble Hotel, according to Shin Min.

An employee of the hotel reportedly saw the taxi stop outside the hotel and two passengers alight.

According to the staff member, Tee had opened the driver's door and placed his right foot on the road when the vehicle began to move forward.

The door collided into the left rear side of a lorry parked in front.

The employee reportedly said Tee's head and upper body became trapped between the door and the door frame of the taxi, which continued to move forward.

His passenger, upon seeing what had happened, rushed over to help. He reached into the vehicle and shifted the taxi's gear from drive to park, bringing the taxi to a stop.

Paramedics found Tee trapped between the car door and frame when they reached the scene. The collision had reportedly forced the door inwards.

The autopsy report determined that the cause of death was primarily traumatic asphyxia and severe facial injuries, according to the Chinese publication.

An investigating officer from the Ministry of Manpower told the court that the deceased had 12 years of experience as a taxi driver and had held his driver's license for 42 years.

He believed that Tee had forgotten to shift gears as he was hurrying to help passengers with their luggage, reported Shin Min.

He added that Tee had only been working for an hour at the time of the incident, so he believed the accident was not caused by overwork.

The coroner will record findings at a later date.

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lim.kewei@asiaone.com