What led to the tragic accident involving two lifelong friends?

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An 86-year-old driver's mistaken pedal application led to the fatal accident.

The tragic incident occurred on October 11, 2023, when 86-year-old Phua Chiew Tong, while driving two friends, Ng Lian Khew (76) and Chan Wing Chai (83), accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake pedal as his car rolled backward. This resulted in the car accelerating in reverse, striking both friends and causing their deaths. Phua Tong was subsequently fined S$10,000 and disqualified from driving for eight years.
Driver Error in Pedal Application

Phua Chiew Tong was driving his two friends to Johor Bahru for routine errands when the accident unfolded at the entrance of a multi-storey carpark in Lorong 7 Toa Payoh. As the car came to a stop, Ng opened the boot and Chan opened the front passenger door. At this moment, the vehicle began to roll backward. Phua Tong's attempt to stop the car by applying the brake pedal was misjudged, leading him to press the accelerator instead.
Fatal Consequences of Reverse Acceleration

The mistaken application of the accelerator caused the car to suddenly accelerate in reverse. The front passenger door struck Chan, while the rear of the vehicle hit Ng. Both men were knocked to the ground and run over by the car. The vehicle continued to move in reverse, mounting a kerb, knocking down a signboard, and ultimately crashing into a pillar.
Victims' Deaths and Driver's Condition

Both Ng Lian Khew and Chan Wing Chai were rushed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital but tragically passed away shortly after 9 am. Autopsies revealed that Ng died from blunt force injuries to his chest and pelvis, while Chan succumbed to multiple injuries. Since the accident, Phua Tong has reportedly been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, underscoring the profound psychological impact of the event.

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What led to the tragic accident involving two lifelong friends?

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