Woman killed after GetGo car crashes into pasar malam stall at Circuit Road

SINGAPORE: A 66-year-old woman was killed after a GetGo car crashed into a pasar malam (night market) stall along Circuit Road late on Friday night (11 July).

The fatal accident occurred at around 11.45pm in front of Block 52A Circuit Road. Police and emergency responders were alerted immediately after the crash.

According to a photograph posted by SG Road Vigilante on Facebook, a black GetGo car had rammed through a stall before colliding with a flight of stairs beside it.

The woman, who had been washing up at the stall, was pronounced dead at the scene by a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) paramedic.

Driver arrested, investigations ongoing

Police confirmed that the 40-year-old man behind the wheel was arrested for dangerous driving causing death, driving without a valid licence, and driving without insurance.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances leading to the crash.

The police also reminded motorists that driving without a licence and insurance is a serious offence and that those responsible for accidents have a duty to render assistance immediately.

Scene of destruction and grief

Witnesses described scenes of chaos following the collision. Photos circulating online showed the car wedged into the stall, surrounded by debris including tables, trays, and cooking utensils.

Food, sauces, and packaging were scattered across the ground. In one image, the vehicle’s bonnet was coated in sauce that had splattered onto the tent’s ceiling.

The affected stall was known for selling Chinese snacks such as tutu kueh and was reportedly manned by an older man and three women.

A neighbouring vendor, 35-year-old Zam, who runs a beverage stall, told Shin Min Daily News that the deceased and her colleagues were friendly and often chatted with him during late-night shifts.

“They would smile and wave goodbye when packing up each night. It’s heartbreaking because I saw them just before it happened,” he said.

Residents recount late-night scene

Another resident, 48-year-old Huang, said he returned home from work around 6am the following morning to find the area cordoned off by police.

“I saw several police cars and a hearse parked nearby. That’s when I realised someone had died,” he told reporters.

The pasar malam, which has five stalls, began operations on 5 July and was scheduled to continue until 20 July. Vendors have since suspended activities at the affected section as police complete their investigations.

GetGo expresses condolences, pledges cooperation

In a statement to the media, car-sharing firm GetGo extended its condolences to the victim’s family and said it was fully cooperating with authorities.

The company confirmed that preliminary findings showed the vehicle was driven by an unauthorised user, which constitutes a serious breach of its terms of service.

“This is a severe violation of our platform rules. We are providing support to those affected and are assisting the authorities with their investigation,” the company said.

GetGo did not provide further details due to the ongoing police case but reaffirmed its commitment to user accountability and road safety.

Calls for stricter verification in car-sharing

The incident has prompted renewed public discussion about safety and accountability within Singapore’s growing car-sharing sector.

Industry observers have noted that while firms implement identity verification and licensing checks, unauthorised use can still occur when registered users lend their accounts to others — a breach of company policy and local regulations.

Transport analysts say companies may need to explore stronger safeguards such as biometric verification or periodic in-app licence scans to deter unauthorised access.

A car-sharing consultant, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Such incidents are rare but highlight a vulnerability in the system. When a vehicle is misused, accountability can become complex, especially if multiple people have access to an account.”

Community mourns loss

The local community has expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy, with some residents leaving flowers near the site over the weekend.

One passer-by, 59-year-old retiree Madam Lee, said she frequented the night market for snacks and often chatted with the stall owners.

“It’s devastating. They were hardworking people who brought life to the neighbourhood,” she said.

The family of the victim has not issued a public statement.

Authorities have urged witnesses to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation.