Bus Captain and Community Spirit Saved the Day

During the morning peak hours on 7 December 2023 at Eunos Flyover, Bus Captain Haidi Bin Hussensa spotted a motorist ahead involved in an accident, and his quick-thinking instincts kicked in. He decisively applied the emergency brakes and brought the bus to a halt, averting a potential disaster with his prompt action.?

Assisted by two passengers, Haidi, who was driving bus service 518, ensured a fast and coordinated response to the incident. A commuter Hazeline, who was on board, immediately offered to call for an ambulance and the police, while another commuter stepped forward to assist the injured motorist, Shafiq. Haidi notified the operations control centre of the incident and arranged for another bus to pick up the remaining commuters.?

Hazeline shared her account of the incident, praising Haidi for his composure and clear thinking. She said, “I felt that it was his first time facing such a situation, but he was calm, collected, and managed it well. He drove steadily and was able to avoid a bad accident.”

Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, Shafiq wrote, “I met with an accident at Eunos Flyover, and I was thrown to the third lane. I remember vividly an oncoming bus behind me, and I honestly thought my life would end there. However, when I watched the video, I saw the bus captain doing an emergency brake. I want to send my biggest thanks to the bus captain who saved my life on that day.”

"It's all about awareness. We need to be alert while driving," Haidi reflected. He further emphasised the importance of safe driving, stating, “Prioritising safety over speed is crucial, as we hold lives in our hands. I always look out for vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. I am thankful that I reacted in time to avert a potential tragedy.”

Haidi concluded by highlighting the strength of community spirit displayed during the incident. He said, “Instead of expressing concerns about being late for work, commuters offered invaluable assistance. Their help and understanding were truly appreciated.”

Beyond Haidi's quick thinking, the supportive response of the commuters serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating safer journeys. ?Let’s continue to look out for one another, making our journeys safer and more gracious.