A Singapore-Johor bus driver has been sentenced to three weeks in jail and banned from driving for two years for causing grievous hurt by a negligent act. The incident occurred at Woodlands Checkpoint on June 24, 2019, when Gunaselan R Subramaniam, a 45-year-old Malaysian employed by Singapore-Johor Express, failed to ensure that the last passenger had alighted safely.
The passenger, a 74-year-old woman, fell out of the bus and was run over by the rear tyre, resulting in both her legs being crushed and requiring amputation above the knee. Gunaselan was convicted on March 8, 2024, and sentenced on March 15, 2024.
Witnesses testified that Gunaselan was speaking on the phone when the accident occurred, and he admitted in court that he felt he ran over a bump after driving a short distance. The woman had been standing near the vehicle’s rear exit when she felt it moving and fell out, resulting in multiple fractures, injuries in her groin area, and the eventual amputation of both legs above the knee.
In addition to the jail sentence and driving ban, Gunaselan was also fined up to S$5,000. The Straits Times reported that the victim had been traumatized by the incident and was still undergoing rehabilitation. The Singapore-Johor Express company provides transport between Singapore and Malaysia, and the incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety of all passengers, especially the elderly and disabled.
This case serves as a reminder to all drivers to be vigilant and responsible, ensuring that all passengers have alighted safely before driving off. Negligent acts that endanger personal safety can result in severe consequences, including jail time, fines, and driving bans. The victim’s traumatic experience also underscores the importance of providing adequate support and care to those who have been injured due to negligent acts.