A routine Tuesday morning turned chaotic in Tampines when two SBS Transit buses and a car were involved in a traffic accident, leaving 13 people injured and sent to hospital.
The incident happened near the busy junction of Tampines Avenue 2 and Tampines Avenue 7 at around 10:20am. According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), the accident involved two public buses and a car. The Singapore Police Force confirmed that all 13 individuals – aged between 30 and 69 – were conscious when transported to the hospital. This group included 12 passengers and the 69-year-old bus driver.
Emergency services dispatched the injured to Changi General Hospital and Sengkang General Hospital, with five and eight patients sent to each facility respectively. Fortunately, most of them were treated as outpatients, although two individuals remain warded for further observation.
SBS Transit Issues Apology, Offers Support
In response to the incident, SBS Transit issued a public apology, assuring the public that the well-being of their passengers is their top priority. A company spokesperson, Grace Wu, shared that their team had been at the hospitals to provide assistance and emotional support to those affected.
“We will continue to render support to them and do wish them a full and speedy recovery,” Wu stated. The transport operator is also cooperating fully with the police as investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Social media videos circulating on TikTok — particularly from user @143mindie — showed the aftermath of the crash, with the rear bus appearing to have borne the brunt of the impact. Viewers expressed concern and frustration over bus drivers’ driving habits, with many commenting that recklessness and rushing seem increasingly common in Singapore’s public transport scene.
Public Reaction and Concerns Over Driver Conduct
The incident has reignited public debate over road safety, especially regarding public bus operations. TikTok users pointed fingers at SBS drivers’ aggressive driving styles, suggesting that pressure to stick to tight schedules may be pushing drivers to take unnecessary risks. Some commenters noted that SBS buses are often seen speeding or changing lanes abruptly.
Calls have been made for stricter monitoring of driver behaviour and working hours, with concerns that overworked bus captains may be compromising passenger safety. Some even suggested that more training and road etiquette education are urgently needed — not only for bus drivers, but all road users.
With the popularity of TikTok and other social platforms amplifying these incidents, commuters and netizens alike are demanding better safety standards and accountability in Singapore’s public transport system. SBS Transit, meanwhile, is left to manage the fallout while investigations continue.
As Singapore continues to rely heavily on public transport, this accident serves as a sobering reminder of the critical need for safety — both behind the wheel and on the road.