SMRT Responds to Injured Passenger’s Claims on Bus Accident at Bukit Batok

An elderly passenger, Mr. Othman Ahmad, 65, was injured after a fall on an SMRT bus on January 17. The incident occurred around 7:20 p.m. on bus service 187 near Bukit Batok Central.

According to Mr. Othman, the bus "suddenly drove so fast" and braked abruptly, causing him to lose his balance. Despite attempting to grab a pole, he fell and briefly blacked out. Other passengers intervened, asking the driver to stop and assisting Mr. Othman, who sustained a head injury above his right eye.

Paramedics from the Singapore Civil Defence Force transported him to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, where his wound was stitched. He was discharged the same night with a medical bill of S$154, but later experienced lingering symptoms such as head pain and blurry vision.

SMRT’s Statement and Investigation

SMRT stated that CCTV footage showed the bus moving off normally without sudden acceleration or braking. Deputy Managing Director of Buses, Vincent Gay, reported that Mr. Othman released his grip on a grab pole before falling.

The bus driver rendered assistance until paramedics arrived. SMRT confirmed no other passengers were injured and emphasized the importance of holding onto grab poles and hand grips while on board.

Mr. Othman lodged a police report the day after the incident and initially struggled to contact SMRT’s customer hotline. SMRT’s care team eventually reached out to him after a friend contacted them on January 22. Compensation discussions for his medical expenses are now underway.

Passenger Safety and Employment Concerns

Despite his injuries, Mr. Othman returned to work on Monday without informing his employer, fearing termination due to the incident. He works in the logistics sector on a contract basis.

SMRT reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and urged riders to use grab poles and hand grips while traveling on buses to prevent accidents.

Broader Implications

This incident highlights the challenges of maintaining safety for elderly passengers on public transport and the importance of communication between transport operators and passengers following such events.

Comments

New Punggol Northshore BTO Plagued by Water Seepage and Electrical Hazards

***Update: HDB, Maincon and Consultant has came down to the unit to check. Will update on status once we have more information. A Punggol Northshore BTO homeowner, who moved into his newly renovated flat in July 2024, has voiced frustration over severe water leakage issues that have left his unit unsafe and unlivable. Water has been observed seeping from an electrical powerpoint, with puddles forming on the floor and walls showing bubbling and signs of damage from moisture. The source of the leak appears to be an external wall adjacent to the master bedroom, according to assessments by the main contractor. However, the leakage has already caused significant damage to the flat's walls and paintwork, leaving the homeowner distressed. Adding to the frustration, the main contractor advised the homeowner to avoid using the affected power switches in the living room and bedroom due to the risk of a short circuit. Despite the warning, the homeowner has no choice but to turn on the light...

The Gateway to Singapore’s Digital Future, Punggol Coast MRT Station Opens Today!

The Punggol Coast MRT station, the 17th station on the North East Line (NEL), officially opened on December 10, 2024. Located in the heart of the Punggol Digital District (PDD), it extends the NEL’s total length to 22 km and enhances accessibility for over 200,000 households within a 10-minute walk of an NEL station. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, speaking at the launch, emphasized the station's role in transforming Punggol Town into a vibrant, connected, and sustainable hub. Travel time for Punggol North residents to Outram Park is now reduced to 45 minutes, down from 60 minutes. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted the foresight in planning Singapore’s transport infrastructure, such as provisions made two decades ago for the Cross Island Line interchange at Punggol MRT station. This long-term approach underscores Singapore’s commitment to future generations. The station integrates seamlessly with PDD, a 50-hectare smart and sustainable district focusing on digital indus...

Crackdown on Illegal Ride-Hailing with 4 Drivers Caught in LTA Operation

In a recent operation conducted by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore, four drivers were caught and had their vehicles impounded for providing illegal ride-hailing services. These unauthorized services operated both within Singapore and across the border to Malaysia, posing significant risks to passengers. The LTA has issued a stern warning to the public, advising against using such illegal services due to the lack of proper licensing and insurance, which can leave passengers vulnerable in the event of accidents. The operation underscores LTA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and regulation of ride-hailing services in Singapore. Drivers caught offering illegal ride-hailing services without a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Licence face severe penalties, including fines of up to $3,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. These measures are in place to deter unlicensed operators and protect passengers from potential harm. Illegal ride-hailing services oft...

LaKopiNews.com

Search This Blog