Tragedy that could have been avoided
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On 6 Oct 2015, a 4 year-old boy fell to his death in Yishun. He apparently fell from an open window in his flat. It was a tragic accident. It could have been prevented if there had been window grilles.
The family had just moved into the flat. The father of the child says that the contractor was supposed to do a number of works, including installing the window grilles.
The family’s move-in date had already been delayed for eight days by the contractor. When the family moved in, some of the agreed items had not been installed, including the window grilles.
Attempts to contact the contractor were not successful.
The father was particularly concerned about the window grilles as he had young children. He told the contractor this, and exchanged WhatsApp messages with the contractor. The contractor had removed the previous grilles but did not install new ones!.
According to the father, when he finally suggested to terminate the contract, the contractor asked to meet him, but did not turn up at the agreed date and time!
After a few days, the contractor contacted him to say that his company will send a cancellation letter. The letter never arrived.
The window grilles were not installed and the tragedy happened.
The father attempted to contact the contractor, sent him the news reports of his son’s death – and no response from the contractor. No apology, no visit, and the father thinks the contractor has even blocked him, from messaging the contractor.
If these facts are true, then the conduct is shameful, irresponsible and has contributed to the tragedy.
One can understand the parents’ anger, anguish. To lose a child like this. Because someone has not done what he is supposed to have done. And the conduct after the tragedy is shocking.
When I visited the family, the parents were stoic. They recounted the story without rancour. I was quite upset.
There must be steps taken against such contractors – if what the father says is correct. We must help the family to get legal recourse. It wont bring back the child, but there has to be some justice done. I have told we will help find a lawyer for the family.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/boy-4-falls-death-yishun-flat
Source: K Shanmugam Sc
