You might have read, heard or even watched the video of an SBS Transit bus crashing into four motorcycles at a junction along Pasir Panjang road yesterday.
The service 10 bus was waiting for the traffic light to turn green when it suddenly moved off and knocked over 4 motorcyclists in front of its vehicle.
According to a Straits Times report yesterday, the driver had allegedly stepped on the wrong pedal while waiting for the traffic light to turn green. He then panicked and tried to avoid hitting the motorcyclists by swerving to the right.
The piece of information above has seen been removed in the Straits Times article.
There was much speculation over the the cause of the driver’s actions, with netizens claiming that it was a deliberate act or even a case of attempted murder, calling for harsh punishment to be served upon him.
Some questioned if the driver was mentally unstable, drunk or had been overworking.
Many netizens were also quick to judge the nationality of the driver, believing that he must be a PRC driver. Some also blamed SBS Transit and the authorities for bringing in foreign Bus Captains.
Amidst the stream of speculative and unkind remarks, a netizen who claimed to be a personal friend of the driver, spoke up for him on social media.
Here is the full statement of what he said:
“Riders all received outpatient treatment. Glad they are OK. Let’s not presume. Driver is Singaporean and has excellent driving record for nearly 20 years. Let’s wait for outcome of investigation before we assume. Let’s not jump the Gun. I personally know the driver, a very very nice man and always helps others. His whole family is affected by this incident. Driver himself has been crying all day.”
A handful of netizens also jumped in with positive comments, with some defending the unfair accusations hurled against the driver when investigations are still ongoing:
Turns out this netizen may be right after all.
Accident could have been fatal if the Bus Captain did not steer the bus away.
Bus drivers in Singapore generally have a good safety record.
Plea to stop the negativity.
Likely to be an unintentional act by the Bus Captain.
The Bus Captain has been suspended as police investigations are ongoing.
Two motorcyclists and a pillion rider aged between 23 and 39 were taken to the hospital after the accident occurred last Thursday (July 20) morning. All three have since been discharged.
While some netizens have even called on commuters to stop calling them “Bus Captains” but “Bus Drivers” instead given the recent spate of bus incidents, it is heartening to there are netizens who are civil and objective on this matter.
In any case, it is best to reserve judgement till investigations have completed.
Let’s also not forget the good work of the other Bus Captains, especially those who go the extra mile to serve commuters and are diligent in maintaining a good safety record.
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