Heroic Rescue: Ilham Jufri Dashes Into Traffic to Save Dog After Hit-and-Run in Bedok

A Jog That Turned Into a Life-Saving Mission

What started as a regular Sunday evening jog on August 3 took a dramatic and heroic turn for 21-year-old Ilham Jufri. While running along Bedok South Avenue 2, Ilham witnessed a small toy poodle dart into traffic and get hit by a black vehicle.

Unfortunately, the vehicle did not stop after the collision.

Ilham, who is currently serving his National Service in the Police K-9 Unit, immediately ran to the dog’s aid.

Trained in handling dogs and known to be an animal lover, he carried the injured toy poodle off the road to safety.

No Owner in Sight, Dog Suffers Seizures

Despite the harness indicating it was likely a runaway pet, there was no sign of the dog’s owner nearby. While in Ilham’s arms, the dog began suffering seizures.

Ilham quickly contacted SPCA to seek emergency help.

Dog Bolts Again — A Second Dash Into Traffic

However, the rescue did not end there.

The situation took another turn just minutes later. Disoriented and scared, the dog bolted back into traffic. Ilham immediately gave chase, calling out for help.

Hearing this, several passersby quickly intervened and responded to Ilham’s scream for help, including a 13-year-old girl who managed to catch the dog.

Fingers Bitten While Trying to Help

Ilham took over once again, but during the struggle, the frightened animal bit Ilham six times across three fingers.

Despite the pain and bleeding, he held on until SPCA officers and the police arrived.

Treated for Bites and a Fractured Finger

Ilham’s parents, Jufri Salim and Surayah Akbar, arrived shortly after the incident. They cleaned his wounds while waiting for the police to take his statement, then brought him to the hospital that same night.

Fortunately, Singapore has been rabies-free since 1953, so no rabies shot was needed. However, Ilham did receive a tetanus vaccine.

Underwent Debridement Procedure to Prevent Infection

Following this, an orthopaedic doctor ordered an X-ray, which revealed that one of his fingers had been fractured.

He underwent a debridement procedure the next morning to clean the wounds and prevent infection. Three fingers were treated, and his hand is now bandaged and in a cast.

Community Support and a Happy Update

Despite the ordeal, Ilham is now recovering in the hospital and remains in stable condition.

He was visited by family, close friends, and even a couple he met during the rescue, who called him “our hero.”

As for the dog, a Facebook update from Ilham’s parents confirmed that she has since been reunited with her owner and is reported to be in stable condition.