On the way to the crematorium, a funeral hearse was unfortunately involved in a chain collision on Upper Thomson Road.
The incident took place at about 2.30pm on Tuesday (22 Oct), reported Shin Min Daily News.
A photo shared by a reader showed the white hearse with damage to its bonnet, having crashed into the blue vehicle in front.
Source: Shin Min Daily News on Facebook
A private bus was also seen behind the hearse. Flowers were strewn on the road and the hearse’s bonnet.
In response to a reader’s tip-off, Shin Min reporters arrived at the scene at 4pm to find that the hearse had gone.
The other vehicles were being towed away, with flower petals still seen on the road.
Ms Angjolie Mei, funeral director at The Life Celebrant, which handled the funeral, told Shin Min that the hearse was on the way to the Mandai Crematorium at the time of the accident.
The 44-year-old added that the hearse was on its way for the cremation scheduled at 3pm.
At about 2.30pm, the hearse driver hit the brakes when the vehicle in front stopped suddenly along Upper Thomson Road.
The bus that was carrying the family members of the deceased couldn’t stop in time and hit the hearse from behind.
Thus, the hearse ended up being sandwiched between the two vehicles, she added.
After the accident, the company immediately deployed another hearse and bus to the scene.
However, the original hearse was severely dented and its rear hatch couldn’t be opened properly, so it took about 20 minutes to transfer the coffin.
Source: Shin Min Daily News
Ms Mei, who rushed to the scene to help, said after the coffin was transferred they opened it to check on the condition of the body.
They then offered incense to apologise to the deceased.
Due to the accident, The Life Celebrant contacted the crematorium to postpone the cremation, Ms Mei said.
Eventually, it took place at 4.30pm — 1.5 hours later than the original time.
Source: Google Maps
About 20 family members were present and fortunately, they were friendly, patient and understanding of the situation and didn’t blame them for the incident, she added.
She thanked them for their cooperation and was grateful to encounter such a good family.
Ultimately, the priority was to ensure everyone’s safety and send the deceased on their final journey smoothly, Ms Mei said.
As for the details of the accident, they can be settled later, she added.
The police were not called as no one was injured in the accident, she also said.
Also read: Funeral Hearse Bursts Into Flames In Woodlands, Cause Of Fire Under Investigation
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Featured image adapted from Shin Min Daily News on Facebook and Shin Min Daily News.
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