LTA officer dies in pursuit of errant motorcyclist on SLE

A Land Transport Authority (LTA) enforcement officer, Zdulfika Ahakasah, lost his life while executing his duty to maintain road safety. The fatal accident occurred on the Seletar Expressway (SLE) towards the Bukit Timah Expressway, near the Tampines Expressway exit, on the morning of June 4, 2024.

Zdulfika was in hot pursuit of an 18-year-old motorcyclist who had failed to stop when ordered by the officer. The chase, which began on the road shoulder, escalated as the motorcyclist attempted to evade capture by swerving across the road and making a sharp turn onto the SLE. Zdulfika, in his commitment to apprehend the errant rider, followed suit but tragically crashed into a road divider. The impact of the crash flung him off his motorcycle and onto the road, where he was subsequently struck by an oncoming lorry.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) reported that the accident involved multiple vehicles, including two lorries and a van. The errant rider was arrested on multiple charges, including dangerous driving, riding without a valid license and insurance, possession of scheduled weapons, and suspected drug-related offenses.

Commander of Traffic Police, Senior Assistant Commissioner Daniel Tan, expressed his sorrow over the loss, stating, "This was a tragic loss of life of a fellow law enforcer who died while executing his duty to keep our roads safe. The police will investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that those responsible will face the full brunt of the law."

Dashcam footage of the incident, shared by the Facebook group SG Road Vigilante, vividly captured the moments leading up to the crash. The 52-second video shows Zdulfika pulling up in front of the motorcyclist, attempting to block his path. However, the rider did not stop and instead swerved sharply, leading to the fatal crash.

Zdulfika was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The LTA, in a statement, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a valued team member. "We are deeply saddened by Zdulfika's passing. He was a dedicated member of our enforcement team. We are in contact with his family to extend our condolences and full support during this difficult time," said an LTA spokesperson.

The incident has sparked a wave of condolences and tributes from the public and fellow officers. A netizen, claiming to be a relative of Zdulfika, revealed that he was set to get married next month, adding a poignant layer to the tragedy.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by traffic enforcement officers daily. Their commitment to ensuring road safety often puts them in harm's way, and Zdulfika's sacrifice highlights the ultimate price that can be paid in the line of duty.

As investigations continue, the public is urged to respect traffic laws and cooperate with enforcement officers to prevent such tragedies in the future. The loss of Zdulfika Ahakasah is a somber reminder of the risks taken by those who work tirelessly to keep our roads safe.