SINGAPORE – A 54-year-old passenger was injured after an SBS Transit double-decker bus crashed into a tree in Bishan on Nov 22, resulting in a large part of the bus’ roof getting ripped off.

The police said they were alerted to the accident in Bishan Street 22 towards Bishan Street 24 at 10.32pm.

SBS Transit spokeswoman Grace Wu said service 88 hit a tree branch, damaging especially the upper deck of the bus.

In a photo sent in by a reader of Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao, web-like cracks can be seen on the windshield of the bus’ upper deck.

In another photo, the left side of the bus’ roof and some windows appear to have been ripped off, with parts of the roof dangling from the damaged side.

A Lianhe Zaobao report said a large strip of metal from the roof of the bus was found on the grass patch by the sidewalk. SBS Transit employees were also seen cleaning up the area when a Zaobao reporter went to the accident site on the morning of Nov 23.

The report added that residents said they heard a loud noise and went to see what had happened.

The authorities said the injured passenger was conscious when taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital after the accident.

In a statement on Nov 23, Mrs Wu said: “He has since been discharged, and we are in touch with him to extend care and concern, and are rendering assistance as best as we can.

“We would also like to apologise to affected commuters for the distress and inconvenience caused.”

SBS Transit is conducting a probe into the cause of the incident, she added.

The police said a 55-year-old male bus driver is helping with investigations.