Driver and 8 passengers taken to hospital after buses collide at Upper Thomson bus stop

[UPDATE 11.40am] Tower Transit has suspended its bus driver, pending an investigation.

Two passengers on the 980 bus were among those taken to hospital, said its senior communications executive Vera Lim.

"We are reaching out to our injured passengers and their families to provide assistance. We are also working with SBS Transit to assist their injured passengers."

SINGAPORE - Nine people, including a bus driver, were taken to the hospital after an accident involving two buses along Upper Thomson Road on Dec 8.

The police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to the accident near Shunfu Road Housing Board estate at 12.40pm.

In photos and videos posted on Facebook, a Tower Transit bus can be seen with a shattered windscreen behind an SBS Transit bus.

Three ambulances and a fire engine can be seen in the background.

A 46-year-old male bus driver and eight passengers, aged between 25 and 79, were taken conscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. 

SCDF assessed another two people for minor injuries, but both declined to be taken to hospital.

A 57-year-old male bus driver is assisting with investigations, the police added.

In response to ST queries, SBS Transit spokeswoman Grace Wu said its service 166 was stationary at the bus stop when it was rear-ended by another bus.

The bus captain and six passengers were hurt.

“Our team was at the hospital to extend our care and support to them and to render assistance as best we can,” she added.

ST has contacted Tower Transit for more information.

In July, it was announced that Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai would lead a task force to look into the safety of public buses, after a spate of accidents involving the vehicles.

The task force comprises representatives from government agencies, the National Transport Workers’ Union, all four public bus operators and the Singapore Road Safety Council.

It will also engage international experts, regulators and operators to identify suitable practices that the sector can adopt.

The group aims to complete the review by early 2025.

This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.