For the loved ones of Queenie Leong, 23, what should have been a normal ride home from a birthday party ended in an unthinkable tragedy. She died following a car crash involving a private hire vehicle and a public bus in the early hours of August 2, 2025, at the junction of Yishun Avenue 2 and Yishun Central 1, around 5.35am.
Queenie was in a private hire car with her friend Meiyi, returning home from a party at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir. She had left early to pack for a planned family trip to Johor Bahru to celebrate her sister's birthday. Her final ride ended in disaster when the vehicle collided with the rear of a Tower Transit bus, which was stationary at a traffic light. The crash left the car severely damaged, with its windows shattered and doors ajar.
Despite suffering a fractured arm, Meiyi attempted CPR on Queenie at the scene, refusing to give up until paramedics arrived. All three individuals, the driver, Queenie, and her friend were rushed to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. Tragically, Queenie succumbed to her injuries later that afternoon, at around 3pm.
Her boyfriend, Mr Pombuena Kevin Paul Famacion, 23, shared that he and Queenie had recently rekindled their relationship. Just days before the accident, she had visited him and performed a love song, telling him, “This performance is to show you how much I love you.” That was one of the last memories he had of her.
Mr Pombuena rushed to the hospital after receiving news of the accident. He recalled the moment doctors informed the family that swelling in her brain had cut off blood flow, and she was given just an hour to live. He, along with Queenie’s close friends and family, stayed by her side as she faded away.
“She had a whole life ahead of her, a scholarship, travel plans, and so much more,” he said. Overcome with emotion, he added, “I just wish I could hear her sing one more time.”
Another close friend, Mr Sir Ludvig Kong, 22, had attended the same birthday party and was one of the last people to see her alive. He received a frantic call from Meiyi shortly after the crash. At the hospital, he was devastated by Queenie’s injuries, describing how her head had been shaved and her face was covered in gauze.
“It felt like a dream,” he said, breaking down during the interview. “We realised that we would never be able to talk to her again, get to see her smile or hear her laughter ever again.”
Queenie’s wake was held at the void deck of Block 162 Yishun Street 11, where she lived. Her father was too distraught to speak but expressed a desire to understand how the accident occurred. According to Meiyi, the driver may have been driving erratically and could have fallen asleep at the wheel. The 47-year-old driver remains hospitalised.
A Tower Transit spokesperson confirmed that the bus was stationary at a traffic light during the crash and that no passengers were onboard.
Queenie was described by those who knew her as kind, vibrant, and always available when someone needed support. Mr Kong added, “Her presence was a comfort to all her friends. She always answered my calls, no matter what.”
Police investigations are ongoing. The private hire company involved has not yet issued a public statement.
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