SBS Transit driver who died after crashing into tree leaves behind 3 children

SINGAPORE — A 54-year-old bus driver who died in a traffic accident in Hougang on Sunday (9 October) morning leaves behind his wife and three school-going children, said Radin Mas Member of Parliament (MP) Melvin Yong.

In a Facebook post on Monday, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) assistant secretary-general said that he was deeply saddened by the driver's death who was "known to many of us as 阿龙".

The man, a union representative, has been with SBS Transit for over 20 years, added Yong, who is also the National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) executive secretary.

The man had been driving an empty employee bus to the Hougang Depot at 2.40am when he lost control and hit a tree outside the bus depot along Defu Avenue 1 towards Hougang Avenue 3.

Several Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers extricated the man who was trapped in a seat. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a paramedic.

The accident is currently under investigation by the traffic police, said Yong, who visited the man's family on Monday afternoon with other NTWU leaders.

"I assured the family that the union is working closely with the company and we will do all we can to support them during this difficult time. We join the family to grieve for the loss of our union brother, who was not just a loving father and husband, but also a respected union leader," he added.

Photos and videos on social media show an SBS Transit bus with a windshield smashed against a tree while several SCDF officers could be seen at the scene.

Grace Wu, SBS Transit's vice president for customer experience and communications, said that the transport operator is deeply saddened by its staff member's death and has extended its heartfelt condolences to his family.

"We are in close contact with them during this very difficult time and will render all support needed. Meanwhile, we are assisting the police in its investigations."

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