In a shocking incident that unfolded on June 27, 2023, a 33-year-old male truck driver found himself sentenced to 15 days in jail on February 1, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from the truck driver’s admission of guilt in causing grievous hurt with common intention, as he physically assaulted a 38-year-old male bus driver. This disturbing altercation occurred in front of Shelton College in Telok Blangah, resulting in severe injuries to the bus driver.
What Transpired
The private tour bus driver, having dropped off tourists, had parked along Telok Blangah Rise. Upon noticing a truck stopping in front of his bus, he grew concerned about a potential collision as the truck began reversing quickly. To avert the danger, the bus driver honked and flashed his headlights multiple times.
The situation escalated rapidly as both drivers engaged in a heated argument upon the truck successfully parking without incident. The argument, unfortunately, took a violent turn, leading to the physical assault on the bus driver by the enraged truck driver.
Caught on the bus’s dashcam footage, the truck driver slapped and punched the bus driver multiple times, showing no restraint even when the latter attempted to grab onto him. The aggressive encounter ended with the bus driver being pushed into the narrow gap between the bus and the roadside.
The aftermath of the assault was grave, with the bus driver sustaining multiple injuries to his face and head, along with loose front teeth. The bus driver’s medical condition included contusions around his eyes and chest, abrasions on his arms, and the significant financial burden of medical bills amounting to S$1,715.90.
Legal Consequences for the Truck Driver
The court, having examined the evidence, sentenced the truck driver to 15 days in jail for causing grievous hurt with common intention. Additionally, the court ordered the truck driver to fully cover the medical expenses incurred by the victim.
The altercation’s roots lay in the bus driver’s attempt to prevent a potential collision by honking and flashing headlights. While the intention was to ensure road safety, it inadvertently triggered a violent response from the truck driver. This incident underscores the importance of managing road disputes calmly and the potential consequences when disagreements escalate to physical altercations.