- Nivya Rameshwar, 7, was killed after a minibus hit her at The Topiary condominum in Sengkang on Aug 15, 2024.
- During an inquiry into her death, the court heard Phua Hak Heong was driving the vehicle when the incident occurred.
- Nivya, who suffered chest and abdominal injuries, was rushed to Sengkang General Hospital but died later.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – The death of a seven-year-old girl struck by a minibus at a Sengkang condominium in 2024 was ruled a “road traffic-related accident” by the state coroner on Oct 7.
State Coroner Adam Nakhoda also said pedestrians might not be seen by drivers in oncoming vehicles because of the height of some bushes and walls within the property.
The accident took place around 6.20am on Aug 15, 2024, and Nivya Rameshwar died in hospital about an hour later.
At an inquiry into the case in February 2025, Station Inspector Jeff Tan, a Traffic Police investigation officer (IO), told the court what happened the day of the tragedy.
According to the family's domestic helper, Sivakumar Ilavarasi, she had taken the girl to a carpark service road at their block at The Topiary condominium in Fernvale Lane to wait for her school bus.
She then told the child to wait for her at the block’s gate while she placed the girl’s school bags on the opposite side of the road.
The helper said she would return to carry Nivya.
Sivakumar was halfway across the road when she turned back and saw the girl still standing at the gate.
But Niyva was not there after the helper put the bags down and turned around again.
During the inquiry, the court heard that minibus driver Phua Hak Heong, 68, had just picked up a student at another block within the condominium complex around the same time. He was not picking up Nivya.
Phua was driving along the service road and slowed down when he saw Sivakumar crossing from his right to his left.
He told the authorities that he did not see Nivya.
He said he felt an impact on the front right of the minibus and realised he had hit someone.
Sivakumar ran to the girl and cried for help.
Hearing the screams, Nivya’s father, Rameshwar Khirodhar, looked out the window and saw the helper cradling Nivya. He then rushed down to check on his daughter.
His wife, Neela Kanagasundaram, who is a nurse, also hurried down.
Their neighbour alerted the authorities, the court heard.
Nivya, who suffered chest and abdominal injuries, was rushed to Sengkang General Hospital and died around 7.30am.
Phua was arrested later that day. He has not been charged in court.
A tearful Neela spoke to reporters outside the courtroom after the hearing on Oct 7.
Her voice cracked with emotion when she said Nivya was a kind, compassionate and loving girl who could light up a room with her smile.
She added: “For myself, every day, I cry... It’s painful.”
She also said it was time for the authorities to decide what needs to be done.