SBS Transit bus smashes into tree in Kaki Bukit, driver dies in hospital

Angelica Ang
The Straits Times
Nov 22, 2024

An SBS Transit bus driver died after his vehicle was involved in an accident in Kaki Bukit on Nov 21.

The police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force were alerted to the accident at the junction of Kaki Bukit Avenue 2 and Kaki Bukit Road 1 at about 11pm.

The 58-year-old was unconscious when taken to Changi General Hospital, where he died. Five male passengers - aged between 26 and 38 - were injured and also taken to the hospital.

The bus is believed to have skidded, the police said.

It was plying the service 137 route when the accident happened, said SBS Transit spokeswoman Grace Wu, in response to queries.

She added that the man was a "very good and helpful" driver, and the company is providing his family with support and assistance.

She also said the company's representatives visited the five passengers in hospital and remain in contact with them.

A photograph posted online shows the front of the bus smashed against a tree.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat announced in July that Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai would lead a task force to look into the safety of public buses. This followed a spate of accidents involving the vehicles.

The task force comprises representatives from government agencies, the National Transport Workers' Union, all four public bus operators and the Singapore Road Safety Council.

It will engage international experts, regulators and operators to identify practices that the bus sector can adopt, Mr Murali said in Parliament in November.

The task force aims to complete its review by early 2025.

• accident
• SBS Transit
• bus driver
• death
• fatal accident
• Kaki Bukit