Dramatic Crash on Pasir Ris Drive 1 Shocks Onlookers

On the afternoon of April 18, 2026, a routine journey turned chaotic along Pasir Ris Drive 1 in Singapore's east when a double-decker SBS Transit bus service 39 veered sharply, smashed through the road divider, and triggered a five-vehicle pile-up. The incident, which unfolded around 2:30pm near the junction with Pasir Ris Street 11, involved two buses, two cars, and a lorry, leaving three people hospitalised but no fatalities reported.

Dashcam footage circulating on social media platforms captured the heart-stopping moment. The bus, after turning from Pasir Ris Street 11 into Pasir Ris Drive 1 towards Loyang Avenue 1, suddenly swerved across lanes into the far-right lane instead of staying left. It then rammed through the metal railings of the centre divider, breaching the barrier and colliding head-on with a maroon Mercedes-Benz car stopped at a traffic light on the opposite side.

The impact propelled the car backwards into an oncoming green bus, while a black car and a lorry further back were also caught in the chain reaction, with the lorry rear-ending the black car. Videos showed the double-decker perched precariously on the divider, its front wedged against the Mercedes, underscoring the severity of the collision.

Three Hospitalised in Conscious State

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded swiftly, conveying three individuals to Changi General Hospital. They were a 55-year-old female driver of one of the cars, a 33-year-old female driver of the second bus, and a 47-year-old male lorry driver—all conscious upon transport. Notably, neither passengers nor the bus captain of the service 39 bus were among the injured.

SBS Transit confirmed they are in contact with the hospitalised individuals or their families, offering assistance. A spokesperson expressed apologies for the distress caused to passengers and motorists alike, prioritising the well-being of those affected while cooperating fully with authorities.

71-Year-Old Driver Assisting Police Investigations

At the helm of the double-decker bus was a 71-year-old male driver, who is assisting the Singapore Police Force (SPF) with ongoing probes. Police were alerted at approximately 2:30pm to the multi-vehicle accident. No charges have been filed yet, and the exact cause—be it mechanical failure, driver error, or road conditions—remains under investigation.

The driver's advanced age has sparked discussions online, with netizens on forums like Reddit's r/SGRoadVigilante and HardwareZone questioning hiring practices for elderly public transport drivers. While no immediate fault has been attributed, the incident highlights ongoing debates about age limits in vocational driving roles.

Service 39: A Vital Inter-Town Route

SBS Transit bus service 39 operates as a key inter-town connector, running from Yishun Interchange to Tampines Concourse Interchange. The route spans residential areas in Tampines East, Pasir Ris, Punggol, and Yishun, with frequent services from 5:25am to 11:30pm on weekdays. It passes busy stretches like Pasir Ris Drive 1, serving commuters in these densely populated estates.

The crash disrupted services temporarily, with buses 21, 39, 53, and 81 skipping stops along Pasir Ris Drive 1. Commuters reported delays, underscoring the ripple effects on Singapore's efficient public transport network.

Road Conditions and History of Pasir Ris Drive 1

Pasir Ris Drive 1 is a multi-lane arterial road handling significant traffic, especially during peak hours. The site of the crash features a centre divider with metal railings designed to prevent cross-traffic collisions. While no recent major incidents were noted specifically here, the area has seen minor accidents, including PMD-related crashes and vehicle collisions at nearby junctions.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) maintains rigorous road safety standards, including regular barrier inspections. However, high-speed turns and heavy traffic volumes demand vigilant driving. For more on LTA's road maintenance, visit their official statistics page.

Singapore's Bus Safety Record Amid Rising Road Concerns

Singapore boasts one of Asia's safest road networks, but 2025 marked a sobering uptick with 149 road fatalities—the highest in a decade—and increased injury accidents. Public bus incidents remain rare relative to total crashes, thanks to stringent LTA regulations, driver training, and vehicle maintenance.

• Fatal accidents rose 11.4% in early 2025.
• Speeding-related crashes dropped, but 'failing to keep proper lookout' topped causes.
• Elderly pedestrian deaths doubled to 27.

Bus operators like SBS Transit undergo mandatory safety audits. This crash, while alarming, aligns with broader calls for enhanced monitoring of senior drivers.

Regulations for Elderly Vocational Drivers

There is no strict maximum age for bus drivers in Singapore, unlike private hire car drivers capped at 75. Drivers aged 65+ must pass annual medical exams by registered doctors to renew vocational licences, assessing vision, reflexes, and health. LTA balances safety with workforce needs amid an ageing population.

Debates intensify post-incidents, with suggestions for biennial cognitive tests or AI-assisted monitoring in buses. Studies show older drivers may have higher at-fault rates in certain crashes, prompting calls for policy reviews.

Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz

Footage went viral on platforms like Facebook's SGRV Admin and Reddit's r/SGRoadVigilante, amassing thousands of views. Reactions ranged from shock at the bus's trajectory to sympathy for victims, with many questioning the 71-year-old driver's suitability. Comments like "Time for age caps on public transport drivers" echoed forums.

Others praised SCDF's quick response and SBS's outreach. The incident reignited talks on dashcams' role in investigations, now standard for many Singapore drivers.

Similar Past Incidents and Lessons Learned

Singapore has seen comparable bus mishaps, like a 2023 SBS bus-pedestrian collision at the same junction and multi-bus pile-ups elsewhere. Each prompts reviews: post-2016 Pasir Ris MRT incident, rail safety surged; road crashes drive barrier upgrades and ADAS tech adoption.

Experts advocate telematics in buses for real-time alerts on erratic driving. For detailed 2025 stats, see the SPF report.

Implications for Public Transport and Road Users

The crash disrupted east-side traffic for hours, affecting thousands. SBS rerouted services, highlighting vulnerabilities in peak-hour reliance on buses. Commuters urged alternatives like MRT, while LTA may inspect service 39 fleet.

Broader implications include potential insurance hikes and stricter vocational licensing. Positive note: no passenger injuries reflect seatbelt compliance and bus design standards.

Photo by The Transport Enthusiast DC on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: Enhancing Safety Measures

As investigations conclude, expect LTA announcements on driver assessments or tech upgrades like collision-avoidance systems. Public campaigns on lookout vigilance continue, aiming to reverse 2025 fatality trends. Singapore's road safety ethos—zero tolerance for risks—will drive improvements, ensuring buses remain safe lifelines.

For updates, follow reputable sources like The Straits Times.