Pedestrian dies after bus runs over him outside Toa Payoh bus interchange; driver arrested

Police officers at the scene of the accident outside Toa Payoh bus interchange. ST PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA
The accident took place along Toa Payoh Lorong 6, just outside the Toa Payoh bus interchange. PHOTO: KAEDE TSENG/FACEBOOK

SINGAPORE - A pedestrian was killed after a SBS Transit bus ran over him along Toa Payoh Lorong 6 - just outside the bus interchange - on Thursday (July 7) morning.

The victim, a man in his 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, said a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) spokesman.

Police said the 36-year-old male bus driver was arrested in relation to the accident.

Retiree Lam Koon Heng, 57, told The Straits Times he was on bus service number 238, which was about to leave the interchange at around 6.15am, when the bus captain told passengers to alight as there had been an accident.

"We were told that the bus (service number 235) in front of us had knocked down a pedestrian," said Mr Lam.

"The bus involved in the accident was blocking the interchange exit."

Police officers at the scene of the accident outside Toa Payoh bus interchange. ST PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA

In response to media queries, SBS Transit's senior vice-president for corporate communications Tammy Tan said the company was assisting police with their investigations.

"We are very saddened and sorry that this has happened. Our immediate priority is to get in touch with the family of the deceased and to render assistance," she said.

A photo of the accident was uploaded by Facebook user Kaede Tseng, who wrote: "Major accident in front of Toa Payoh bus interchange. One blue tent spotted. Condolences to the deceased's family."

Another Facebook user, Dawn Chan, said that traffic was heavy around the area due to the accident.

Apologising to commuters and motorists for the delays and inconvenience caused, SBS Transit's Ms Tan said staff were deployed to assist with traffic diversion and guide people to the interchange.

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