Man Found Unresponsive While Holding E-Cigarette on SMRT Bus Along TPE
A bus journey along the Tampines Expressway (TPE) took a dramatic turn when a man was discovered unresponsive while clutching an e-cigarette, prompting a sudden halt to the bus service. The incident, which occurred on July 1, involved SMRT bus service 110 en route to the Seletar Expressway (SLE).
According to eyewitnesses, the man had been vaping during the ride before suddenly appearing unwell. Noticing his condition, a fellow commuter alerted the bus captain. The driver stopped the bus at a designated stop along TPE towards Punggol and checked on the passenger. The man remained dazed and unresponsive, reportedly gripping the e-cigarette tightly while blood stains were seen on the floor beneath his seat, reported Stomp.
Emergency Response & Passenger Safety Measures
SMRT Buses confirmed that the captain immediately rendered assistance and stayed by the man’s side until emergency services arrived. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) received a call around 6:15pm and quickly dispatched an ambulance to the location. The man was subsequently conveyed to Sengkang General Hospital for medical attention.
During this time, all remaining passengers on the bus were safely guided onto another vehicle so they could continue their journey without delay. SMRT has since commended the swift actions of the bus captain in managing the situation calmly and efficiently.
A video clip submitted by a witness to Stomp captured parts of the incident, including the bus captain engaging with the man and checking his responsiveness. The footage also showed passengers disembarking as the scene unfolded, while the man remained seated, appearing disoriented.
Reminder to Report Vaping-Related Incidents
In light of this episode, SMRT Buses’ Deputy Managing Director Vincent Gay has urged the public to report any similar occurrences involving unwell passengers or the illegal use of e-cigarettes onboard public buses. Commuters can notify bus captains or contact the Health Sciences Authority’s (HSA) Tobacco Regulation Branch for guidance.
Vaping remains illegal in Singapore, and authorities take violations seriously. Members of the public are reminded that e-cigarettes pose not only legal consequences but also health risks, especially in confined spaces like public transport where second-hand exposure may affect others.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of vaping, and the importance of vigilance among commuters in ensuring public safety on board Singapore’s public buses.