Abandoned

Seven hours later, at about 11.10am, the car was found locked and abandoned at Sungei Kadut Avenue, an industrial area.

The right side of the car's front windscreen was smashed and the bonnet and the driver's door were dented.

When asked by Mr Yeo if Dr Ionescu had left Singapore, Mr Lau said: "He's not in Singapore. Efforts to locate him have not been successful.

"The police have contacted Interpol in Bucharest for assistance but so far, there is no knowledge of his whereabouts."

Mr Lau added that the state has decided to proceed with the inquiry with or without the presence of DrSilviu.

At least 35 witnesses will testify at the inquiry, from 3Mar to 10 Mar.

Mr Tong, a Malaysian who is a permanent resident here, fractured his skull and his right leg in the accident. He never regained consciousness and was taken off life support at 2pm on Christmas Day.

Mr Tong's next-of-kin is being represented by MrSubhas Anandan and Mr Sunil Sudheesan of KhattarWong.

Mr Bong, a Malaysian, suffered injuries to his head and pelvis. He was discharged last week and has returned to Kuching in Sarawak for rehabilitation.

He has engaged Hoh Law Corporation to hold a watching brief for him.

Yesterday's hearing was held in open court, which lawyers said was rare.

They said that such mentions for coroner's inquiries are usually conducted in chambers, with the State Coroner and the State Counsel present.

Journalists, the deceased's next-of-kin and members of the public are not allowed to attend.

The Romanian economic counsellor and acting charge d'affaires, Mr Alexandru Nicolae Coseru, and the embassy's driver were also present at the court mention.

Mr Coseru, 49, told The New Paper that he was informed of the hearing on Tuesday and decided to attend to understand the case better.

When asked if he was in contact with Dr Ionescu, MrCoseru said: "I have met him at work and at business functions before. But I have no personal relationship with him."

Mr Coseru, who came to Singapore in March last year, added that Mr Ionescu's wife has also returned to Romania.

chongsy@sph.com.sg

This article was first published in The New Paper.