Domestic helper allegedly hits boy in wheelchair at Hougang bus interchange

A woman believed to be a domestic helper was caught on video allegedly striking a boy in a wheelchair at Hougang Central Bus Interchange, sparking concern online over the child’s welfare.

The incident reportedly took place on Jan. 23 at around 3pm.

The video

The footage, which has been circulating on Facebook, shows a woman accompanying a boy in a wheelchair as they waited to board a bus at the interchange.

As the bus pulled up and its rear door opened to allow wheelchair access, the woman attempted to push the wheelchair forward but appeared to struggle briefly.

She was then seen pushing harder, before forcefully hitting the back of the boy’s head with her hand.

She eventually managed to push the wheelchair towards the bus.

The person who uploaded the clip said they witnessed the woman striking the boy’s head repeatedly, but only managed to record one instance.

They added that they hoped the footage would eventually reach the boy’s parents.

Public reaction

The video prompted strong reactions from netizens, many of whom expressed shock and concern over how he might be treated outside of public view.

Several commenters urged the original poster to report the incident to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), while others said they hoped the video would be seen by the child’s parents.

Some commenters also speculated that the wheelchair may not have moved because the boy had applied the foot brake, suggesting that the woman’s actions were meant to get him to release it.

However, others argued that even if the brake had been engaged, it would not justify hitting the child.

Mothership has reached out to the Singapore Police Force (SPF) for more information.

Top images via Singapore Incidents/Facebook, Google maps