A shocking news has been reported. Apparently, a Singapore school van crashed into a lorry this morning (Jan 16). The van was carrying school children.
Singapore school van crashed
The news was reported by Stomp after a witness sent in dashcam footage. The incident happened on Bishan Road at around 6:45 am, and the witness was driving his son to Raffles Institution.
The school van is said to have crashed into the lorry after beating the red light at a traffic junction. The lorry meanwhile, had workers.
The witness Mr. Julian has been quoted by Stomp as saying, “I can see that the van was carrying school children when the van had stopped at the earlier traffic junction.”
“This is a timely reminder to all motorists to be alert and careful on the road, especially bus drivers who are responsible for the safety of children whom they have been entrusted to ferry to schools.”
Apparently, the police and the SCDF were not alerted to the incident.
So far, not much is known about the impact of the accident on the passengers. In Mr. Julian’s opinion, the children and the workers “should be fine” as the impact did not seem to be great.
We do hope that the children and workers escaped unhurt. And that, school van drivers will henceforth be more responsible, and drive safe.
Here is the video of the incident:
Safety rules for school buses in Singapore
The LTA stipulates that school buses follow these rules in order to ferry school children:
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All existing small buses that transport school children, including those attending international schools, special schools, kindergartens and childcare centres, must have forward-facing seats and retractable three-point seat belts installed.
- Bus attendants must be present on school buses used to carry children to childcare centres or kindergartens, as well as for buses that are authorised to carry more than 30 children.
Bus attendants must be a Singapore citizen, at least 18 years old, and hold a Bus Attendant’s Vocational Licence.
- Three children of up to 12 years old may occupy a double-seater bench seat meant for two adults, while one child may occupy a single seat.
However, this seating arrangement does not apply to buses that are fitted with seat belts.
- A reflective “Children Crossing” sign with red blinking LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) must be placed at the rear of the bus.
The LED lights will be activated when the entrance or exit door is opened. (Owners can de-activate LED lights when they are not carrying school children).
- Hazard warning lights must be automatically activated when the entrance or exit door is opened.
- First-time offenders of these rules may face a fine of up to S$1,000, or a jail term of up to three months.
Repeat offenders may be punished with a fine of up to S$2,000, or a jail term of up to six months.
Also READ: This little boy died because he was forgotten in his school van