Hearse Makes Last-Minute Vehicle Change After Accident to Meet Cremation Service Timing

A hearse carrying a deceased person got caught in a three-vehicle collision on Upper Thomson Road on Tuesday (Oct 22) at about 2:30 PM.

With quick thinking, a last-minute vehicle switch was done as the hearse was heading to Mandai Crematorium for a 3 PM cremation service. The white hearse suffered damage to both its front and rear, with the rear bumper being severely dented.

Here’s what happened.

Hearse Makes Last-Minute Vehicle Change After Accident to Meet Cremation Service Timing

According to the funeral services company, the incident occurred when the hearse driver had to brake suddenly after spotting the vehicle in front slowing down.

A bus carrying the deceased’s family members behind the hearse couldn’t stop in time and crashed into it, trapping the hearse between two vehicles.

The company quickly arranged for replacement vehicles, including a new hearse and bus, while coordinating with the crematorium to postpone the cremation time. The transfer of the casket took about 20 minutes due to damage to the hearse’s rear compartment.

The company representative had opened the casket to check on the deceased’s condition and offered incense as an apology.

No injuries were reported in the accident, and no police report was filed. The company focused on completing the funeral proceedings first, leaving traffic accident matters for later resolution.

When Shin Min Daily News reporters arrived at the scene at 4 PM, tow trucks were already removing the vehicles. Flower debris was scattered across the road, and the hearse had been moved from the scene.