A shocking incident unfolded along Singapore’s bustling Orchard Road on Saturday evening (5 July), when a bottle was reportedly hurled at an SMRT double-decker bus, shattering one of its upper deck windows and injuring a passenger. The attack left a fist-sized hole in the glass panel, sending shockwaves among commuters and raising concerns about public safety in the city’s busiest shopping district.
The incident occurred at around 6:45pm as bus service 190 was travelling in front of The Heeren mall on Orchard Road. A social media post by user “是cc啊” on Xiaohongshu detailed how a sudden impact caused the upper window to crack, leaving shards of broken glass scattered inside the bus. Images circulated online showed the extent of the damage, highlighting the severity of the attack.
According to SMRT Buses’ Deputy Managing Director Vincent Gay, preliminary findings indicate that someone from the street threw a bottle directly at the moving bus. The bus driver acted swiftly, bringing the vehicle to a safe stop to check on the well-being of passengers and immediately arranging for a replacement bus to continue their journeys , Lianhe Zaobao reported.
Passenger Taken to Hospital, Police Investigations Underway
In response to media queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed receiving a call for assistance at 6:45pm. A 57-year-old female passenger, who was conscious but injured, was conveyed to Raffles Hospital for treatment. Fortunately, no other passengers were reported hurt.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has launched an investigation into the incident, treating the case as a potential act of vandalism or public endangerment. Officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify the perpetrator. Police urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward to aid in their enquiries.
Ensuring Safety on Public Transport
This incident has sparked discussions among commuters and netizens alike about the importance of ensuring safety on public transport. The act of throwing objects at moving vehicles not only endangers lives but also undermines the sense of security commuters rely on daily. Authorities have reminded the public that such reckless acts carry severe penalties under Singapore law.
For public transport operators, incidents like this underscore the importance of driver training, quick emergency response, and clear protocols to protect passengers. Commuters, meanwhile, are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to authorities or bus captains immediately.