3 bus services disrupted after 4m tree topples over at Toa Payoh Central

A four-metre high tree fell over in Toa Payoh Central on Nov. 28, 2024, while it was raining, disrupting the commute of several bus passengers.

According to Shin Min Daily News, the incident occurred at 8:45pm in the direction of Lorong 4 Toa Payoh.

Photos shared on Facebook by Toa Payoh Central Community Club showed the tree lying across two lanes on the road.

Three bus services, 56, 105 and 153 had to be diverted as a result of the fallen tree, which led to the services skipping two bus stops, according to SBS Transit in a tweet on X, formerly Twitter.

Two buses blocked by fallen tree

Shin Min Daily News further reported that two buses — a private bus and a SBS Transit bus — were also seen at the scene of the accident, having been obstructed by the tree.

More than 10 passengers reportedly disembarked from the SBS Transit bus, leaving only two passengers behind who continued to wait.

A spokesperson for SBS Transit confirmed that two passengers onboard bus service 153 had their journeys delayed as a result of the fallen tree, in response to media queries.

A resident who did not want to be named, was quoted by Shin Min Daily as saying that he had been resting at home when he heard a loud crash.

"I looked down from my window and I saw that a tree had fallen. Fortunately, no one was hurt," he said.

Pathway opened up about 45 minutes later

A pathway was eventually opened up on the first lane of the road about 45 minutes later.

Around four to five workers were seen cutting the tree into smaller pieces and moving them to the side of the road.

One worker was also seen blowing the leaves away.

At about 9:30pm, the police allowed vehicles to use the first lane of the road to resume their journey, including the SBS Transit bus.

Toa Payoh Central Community Club eventually updated its Facebook post on the morning of Nov. 29 to state that the tree had been removed completely.

Top photo via Toa Payoh Central Community Club/Facebook