2 buses collide at Jurong West, 44 taken to hospital

Two public transport buses were involved in an accident at Jurong West on the morning of Dec. 14.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they were alerted to a road traffic accident along Jurong West Ave 1 on Dec. 14 at about 10:52 am.

They conveyed a total of 44 people to the hospital.

A person who was trapped at the driver's seat of a bus was also rescued by the SCDF using hydraulic rescue equipment.

Witness's account

A Mothership reader said he heard a loud crash and saw that the two buses had collided.

He said he was unable to tell which bus services the buses were operating, as it appeared that the bus drivers had turned off the engine immediately.

When he walked over to the site, he saw a group of people rushing to help open the doors of the buses to evacuate the passengers inside.

He also saw an elderly man lying on the floor of the bus with only his hands moving.

The reader also saw oil spilling on the road as a result of the collision.

He called the ambulance, which arrived around 11 am, and he left shortly after.

Tower Transit's statement

Bus operator Tower Transit posted on Facebook at 12:18pm saying they are aware of an incident involving bus service 98.

"Emergency services were promptly activated, and affected passengers are receiving medical assessment and care. Our priority is the safety and well-being of those involved," they wrote.

In an update about an hour later, the operator said the bus on service 98, operated by Tower Transit, rear-ended a stationary bus on service 99, operated by SBS Transit, that was at the traffic lights along Jurong West Avenue 1.

The authorities are investigating the incident, they added.

"Both SBS Transit and Tower Transit Singapore are currently reaching out to the injured and their family members to check on their condition and provide the necessary support.

LTA and both operators are investigating the incident. We would like to apologise for the hurt and distress caused by this accident."

SBS Transit also posted the same update on their Facebook.

LTA also posted an update.

Those on board the affected buses can contact Tower Transit at 1800 248 0950 or email [email protected]  or SBS Transit at 1800-287 2727 or [email protected]

Top photos from Mothership reader