Full Breakdown
Tragic Accident Claims Life of Six-Year-Old Indonesian Girl in Singapore's Chinatown
2/9/2026, 9:16:18 PM
Incident Overview
On February 6, 2026, a tragic accident occurred in Singapore's Chinatown, resulting in the death of six-year-old Sheyna Lashira Smaradiani. She and her mother, Raisha Anindra Pascasiswi, were struck by a car while crossing South Bridge Road near the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. The family, visiting from Indonesia, was reportedly on holiday at the time. Both were transported to Singapore General Hospital, but Sheyna succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
Details of the Accident
The accident took place around 11:50 a.m. as the family was crossing the road. Eyewitness accounts suggest that a 38-year-old female driver, who was exiting a car park, failed to notice the mother and daughter. Reports indicate that the car struck Sheyna first, with the front wheel running over her abdomen, followed by her mother’s leg. Eyewitness Nguyen Thi Hanh described the aftermath as distressing, noting that Sheyna was bleeding profusely and landed face-down on the road. The driver initially did not stop and continued moving, exacerbating the injuries, according to Hanh.
Response and Investigation
The Singapore Police Force confirmed that the driver was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving causing death. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities reviewing eyewitness accounts and the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Indonesian Embassy in Singapore has been actively involved, providing support to the family and assisting with the repatriation of Sheyna's body.
Family's Grief and Funeral
Sheyna's body was repatriated to Jakarta on February 8, where she was buried at Tanah Kusir Public Cemetery. The funeral was attended by numerous family members and friends, who expressed their grief through emotional tributes. Her aunt described Sheyna as a kind and cheerful child, stating, “She was truly like a fairy, always making people happy.” The family hopes for a swift recovery for Raisha, who remains hospitalized with serious injuries, including internal bleeding and fractures.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
The incident has sparked significant public concern regarding pedestrian safety in busy tourist areas like Chinatown. Road safety advocates have emphasized the need for increased caution at car park exits, especially in high-traffic zones frequented by families and tourists. The tragic death of Sheyna has raised questions about the adequacy of current safety measures and the responsibilities of drivers in such environments.
Official Statements
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the embassy is closely monitoring the situation and providing necessary assistance to the family. A spokesperson stated, “KBRI Singapore will continue to coordinate closely with local authorities and the family to monitor developments and provide the necessary assistance.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sheyna was definitely a very kind and cheerful child. She was truly like a fairy, always making people happy,” — Rara, Sheyna's aunt
- “Your absence will be felt forever. Your memory will remain. Rest in peace, little sayang,” — Letter from theAsianparent
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by pedestrians in urban settings and the need for ongoing discussions about road safety measures.
