In the heart of Singapore’s Little India, a decade ago, an incident unfolded that would leave an indelible mark on the life of Madam Grace Wong Geck Woon. As the bus timekeeper, she became an unwitting central figure in the chaos that ensued after a tragic accident on December 8, 2013, according to The Straits Times.
This article delves into the details of that fateful night, highlighting Madam Wong’s courage and the journey she embarked on to heal both physically and emotionally.
The Incident Unfolds
On that seemingly ordinary day, a traffic accident at 9:21 pm took the life of Mr. Sakthivel Kumaravelu, a construction worker from Tamil Nadu.
Sakthivel was drunk at the time when he boarded the bus, and was asked to exit the bus as they can’t drive drunk passengers.
Following that, Sakthivel got off the bus but chased after it after it drove off, losing his balance and falling in front of the left wheel of the bus, crushing his head and torso and killing him straight away.
A few migrant workers saw what happened and spread rumours about how the incident happened, with some claiming that it was Madam Wong who pushed the deceased off the bus, even though she was nowhere near when Sakthivel died.
Rumors quickly spread about the circumstances of his death, leading to misplaced blame and anger among the foreign workers. Madam Wong found herself caught in the storm of emotions, taking cover inside the bus as it became the epicenter of the workers’ fury.
Chaos and Threats
The crowd, fueled by rumors and grief, directed their anger at Madam Wong and the bus driver, Mr. Lee Kim Huat. The situation escalated as projectiles rained down on the bus, shattering its windows.
Madam Wong, injured and fearing for her life, sought refuge under an overturned rubbish bin, unsure if the approaching footsteps were friendly or not.
Sheltering from the Storm
In the midst of the chaos, Madam Wong suffered physical injuries, including a gash on her left eyebrow. Blood streamed into her eye as she cowered under the bin, waiting for the ordeal to end.
The arrival of someone in black boots, revealed to be the police, signaled safety. Escorted by authorities, Madam Wong and Mr. Lee emerged from the bus almost an hour after the accident, shielded from the enraged mob.
Surrounded by a protective circle formed by the Singapore Civil Defence Force and police officers, Madam Wong and Mr. Lee were finally taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for medical treatment. The recovery process would prove not only physical but also emotionally challenging for Madam Wong.
The Aftermath
The weeks and months following the riot were filled with nightmares and emotional distress for Madam Wong. The impact extended to her family, especially her young daughter Sarina, who witnessed her mother’s injuries and expressed deep concern. Despite healing physically, Madam Wong faced the daunting task of overcoming psychological scars.
Resigning from her job in Little India, Madam Wong sought solace in selling children’s clothes at flea markets. Rejecting a return to her timekeeping job three years later, she prioritized her mental well-being over familiarity. Eventually, she found a new role as a school bus attendant, marking a step towards normalcy.
Moving On
Ten years after the incident, Madam Wong still carries psychological scars. Nervousness grips her when passing through Little India, a constant reminder of that fateful night. However, in August, she took a bold step, returning to the scene of the incident. While she couldn’t bring herself to visit the accident site, it was a symbolic move toward closure.