A Tower Transit bus driver became unresponsive behind the wheel while approaching a bus stop in Hougang on Monday, 14 September, prompting several commuters to step in and stop the bus safely.
The incident happened at about 1.30pm along Hougang Avenue 3 while the driver was operating Service 854.
According to Tower Transit, four commuters and an SBS Transit bus captain helped during the medical emergency. All passengers on the bus were safe, while the driver was taken to hospital and was in stable condition.
Man at Bus Stop Alerted Passengers
Tower Transit said in a Facebook post on 15 September that a man waiting at the bus stop noticed the driver slumped and unresponsive as the double-decker bus approached.
The man banged on the bus doors to alert those on board. Passengers then moved forward to help the driver.
One passenger checked on the bus captain, while another called for an ambulance.
A third passenger entered the driver’s cabin and engaged the handbrake, bringing the bus safely to a stop. The commuter who had first raised the alarm also helped explain the situation to Tower Transit’s control centre.
An SBS Transit bus captain who was nearby also stepped in and helped alert Tower Transit’s control centre to the emergency.
Tower Transit credited the group with helping to keep everyone on board safe.
Driver Taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital
The Singapore Civil Defence Force told The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao that it received a call for assistance along Hougang Avenue 3 at about 1.30pm.
One person was taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Tower Transit subsequently confirmed that its bus captain remained in hospital and was in stable condition.
A Tower Transit spokesperson said the company was keeping in contact with the driver’s family and wanted him to focus on resting and recovering.
Company representatives and members of the National Transport Workers’ Union were also expected to visit him on 16 September.
Tower Transit Looking for Commuters Who Helped
Tower Transit is now trying to identify the four commuters who stepped in during the emergency so that it can thank them personally.
The operator also expressed its appreciation to the SBS Transit bus captain who assisted.
Those involved have been asked to contact Tower Transit through its social media channels or its hotline at 1800 248 0950.
