Narrow escape for S'porean family of 6 holidaying in Sydney

A Singaporean family of six holidaying in Sydney found themselves in the middle of a terror attack on Dec 14 when gunmen fired on beachgoers at Bondi Beach, leaving at least 15 dead and dozens of others injured.

- Fatimah Mujibah

Recalling the harrowing experience, Ms Karin Lee, 44, and Dr Edward Wong, 49, told The Straits Times in a phone interview several hours later that they reached the famous beach at about 1pm local time (10am Singapore time) with their triplet daughters, 12, and son aged five.

The family had been in the Australian city since Dec 6 to celebrate the girls' completion of the PSLE, and were slated to return home on Dec 15.

It was a very peaceful and sunny day when they arrived at the beach, said Ms Lee, adding that she saw many families with young children having a good time.

Once the family had set up their belongings in the middle of the beach, the children went to play in the water.

About five hours later, the family decided to pack up when they suddenly heard loud sounds that seemed like gunshots.

Dr Wong's first thought was: This is not normal.