Bus driver, 58, dies after bus hits tree in Kaki Bukit

A 58-year-old bus driver died after his bus hit a tree in Kaki Bukit on Nov. 21.

Five passengers were also injured in the accident and sent to hospital.

The police and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) told Mothership that they were alerted to the accident at the junction of Kaki Bukit Ave 2 at around 11pm on Nov. 21.

The bus was believed to have self-skidded, police said.

The accident

A garage owner surnamed Yao (transliteration) told Shin Min Daily News (Shin Min) that she was working that night when she suddenly heard a loud crash.

"My colleagues and I ran out and saw that a bus had run over a grass patch and struck a tree. There were still some passengers on board, so my colleagues called the police," Yao told Shin Min.

A picture shared by Yao showed that the front of the bus was severely damaged, and its windscreen had fallen off.

Shin Min also reported that a street lamp nearby had been knocked to the ground.

At least 10 onlookers gathered at the accident scene.

Driver, 58, died in hospital

SCDF said that six persons in total were brought to Changi General Hospital.

Police said that a 58-year-old male bus driver was unconscious when brought to hospital, where he subsequently passed away.

Five male bus passengers, aged between 26 and 38, were also conveyed conscious to the hospital.

Police investigations are ongoing.

SBS Transit statement

SBS Transit spokesperson Grace Wu confirmed with Mothership that the bus involved in the Nov. 21 accident at the junction of Kaki Bukit Avenue 2 and Kaki Bukit Road 1 was a Service 137 bus.

An SBS Transit bus captain and five passengers onboard were hurt and conveyed to the hospital, Wu said.

Wu added:

"Unfortunately, the bus captain succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment. We are deeply saddened by his passing as he was a very good and helpful bus captain. We have extended our deepest condolences to his family and are providing them with our fullest support and assistance during this very difficult time."

Wu noted that the well-being of the five passengers is also their foremost priority and that SBS Transit staff were at the hospital to extend care and concern and render assistance.

"We continue to remain in touch with them and wish them a complete and speedy recovery," she added.

SBS Transit is assisting the police in their investigations.

Top image from Shin Min Daily News