Last Updated on 2018-05-14 , 9:07 am

The roads of Singapore seems to be getting even more unsafe.

Singaporeans were shook when the lorry killed a father and daughter duo, along with a family friend near Yio Chu Kang.

And they were simply walking on the sidewalk.

Then on 11 May, two buses collided at a bus stop near Bukit Batok.

Here are 8 facts about that bus collision which took place near Bukit Batok just two days ago.

What exactly happened?

On 11 May at about 9 am, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the police were alerted to an accident at Jalan Jurong Kechil near Old Jurong Road.

People associate this area as Bukit Batok as Bukit Batok is just next to the roads.

An SBS Transit bus service 157 (it goes between Boon Lay MRT Station and Toa Payoh MRT Station) had collided with an SMRT bus service 970 (it goes between Bukit Panjang and CBD) at a bus stop, resulting in injuries.

It was understood that 970 was stationary at the bus stop when the SBS Transit bus rammed into it from behind.

34 injured, including passengers from both buses

In total, 34 people were injured in the incident, including the bus captain of SMRT bus service, 970.

Fifteen of them were brought to Ng Teng Fong Hospital: 12 ladies and three men.

Another fourteen were taken to National University Hospital (NUH) and five were taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

According to a news report, none of the people sent to the hospital suffered from serious injuries.

“People were crying, there was blood all over the floor.”

A witness of the incident who was on bus service 157 at that time said that there were “blood on the floor”.

Some of the passengers were crying and some of them couldn’t walk at all.

Another passenger, Sudhakar, was standing with his wife at the front of bus service 157 when the collision happened.

His wife fractured her palm and finger.

Another passenger was alighting from bus service 970 when the collision happened. She suffered light bruises and was seen with a plaster on her knee.

Safety bollard stopped SBS bus from crashing into the bus stop completely

Pictures of the aftermath of the collision shows extensive damage to both buses.

The back of bus service 970 was dented completely while bus service 157 entire windscreen cracked from the foce of the collision.

It had also mounted the kerb and would’ve completely crashed into the bus stop if not for the safety bollard.

If you, like me, have a habit of leaning against the bollard while waiting for buses, don’t do it.

You could be crushed completely if you’re unable to react in time.

Metal debris from both vehicles was scattered around the site.

By the way, now you know why safety bollards (if you’ve ever noticed them) are built in bus stops. You never know when they come in handy.

SMRT and SBS Transit apologised for the incident

Both bus operators, SMRT and SBS has apologised for the incident in a statement.

They will fully cooperate with the police and Land Transport Authority (LTA) with the investigations.

One of the injured passengers said that they did not have to pay for their medical bills.

Staff from SBS Transit paid for them at the front desk. Another three SBS Transit staff were seen walking into Ng Teng Fong Hospital with hampers.

SBS Transit said that they have managed to get in touch with almost all of the injured passengers.

And they said they’ll to continue to monitor their progress and give as much help as possible.

LTA takes this seriously and will investigate fully

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has spoken up about the incident.

In a statement on Friday afternoon, they emphasised to bus operators about the importance of safety.

They also said they’re working closely with the two bus operators and the police to fully investigate the incident.

They have rendered assistance to the injured as well.

The previous bus collision accident was with a taxi stand was back in 2017

While there are many public buses on the road, accidents involving them are not common. The previous public bus accident with a public stop happened back in July 2017.

On 31 Jul 2017, it was reported that a Tower Transit bus service 97 mistook the taxi stand for a bus stop and turned into the bay.

The roof the bus hit the taxi stand’s roof.

Thankfully, none of the eight passengers on the bus suffered any injuries.

Lesson of the day: Pay attention to your surroundings when you’re waiting for your bus

Too often, when you’re at the bus stop, you see people occupied with their phones or staring into space.

After all, we’re all accustomed to being safe while in public transport.

It might be a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings even if you think you’re safe.

I mean, at the end of April 2018, a lorry smashed into three innocent pedestrians walking safely on the road.

And now, a bus could’ve smashed directly into a bus stop if not for a safety bollard.

So stay safe, people, and always be aware when you’re out and about.

Because nowadays, it’s not just e-scooters and bicycles you have to watch out for on footpaths. You now have buses and cars to deal with as well.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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