A public bus operated by SBS Transit was destroyed by fire along the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) on February 13, causing a dramatic scene that drew the attention of motorists and online users alike. The incident occurred on the stretch heading towards Tuas, just before the Clementi Road exit, during the late morning hours.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed that it was alerted to the blaze at around 11:45am. Firefighters were deployed promptly and brought the situation under control using two water jets. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the vehicle as flames engulfed the bus, according to photos and videos circulating on social media platforms.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The bus captain managed to exit safely, and there were no passengers on board at the time of the incident.
Fire Broke Out on Off-Service Bus
SBS Transit clarified that the affected vehicle was not in active service when the fire occurred. The bus was travelling without commuters, significantly reducing the risk of casualties. The operator confirmed that the driver was unharmed and is cooperating with internal investigations.
Images shared online showed the bus completely charred, with the structure reduced to a skeletal frame after the fire was extinguished. The severity of the damage highlights the intensity of the blaze, although emergency response teams were able to prevent it from spreading further.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Transport operators in Singapore adhere to strict maintenance and safety protocols, making such incidents relatively rare. Nevertheless, mechanical faults, electrical issues, or overheating components are typically among the factors examined in vehicle fire investigations.
Impact on Traffic and Public Transport Safety
While no injuries were reported, incidents involving public transport naturally raise concerns about commuter safety and infrastructure resilience. The PIE is one of Singapore’s busiest expressways, and vehicle fires can potentially disrupt traffic flow significantly during peak periods. However, swift emergency response helped minimise prolonged congestion in this case.
Singapore’s public transport system is widely regarded for its reliability and safety standards. Operators such as SBS Transit conduct routine inspections and fleet maintenance to reduce operational risks. Bus fire incidents are uncommon, but when they do occur, authorities treat them seriously to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence.
Commuters can expect further updates once investigations conclude. In the meantime, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of rapid emergency response and stringent vehicle maintenance within Singapore’s land transport network.