The saddest of news. A 6-year-old boy died after getting trapped under a bus in Singapore.
The tragedy happened on 24 May 2018 at Choa Chu Kang Avenue 5, at about 9 am.
Boy trapped under bus
According to Today, the accident happened when the boy was crossing the road. Witnesses say the child was riding a scooter across the road when he was struck by the bus. The boy ended up getting pinned under the rear wheel of the SMRT bus.
SCDF had to use lifting equipment to rescue the boy. By then, he had got severely injured and was rushed unconscious to National University Hospital (NUH).
Bystanders saw the boy’s mother standing beside the bus, in a state of shock.
Police have confirmed that the boy died in hospital.
SMRT vice-president of corporate communications Margaret Teo has expressed condolences.
She has been quoted as saying, “We are sorry and sad that the accident has happened … we are assisting the police in their investigations. We would also like to apologise to affected commuters.”
theAsianparent extends heartfelt condolences to the family of this young child.
Teaching road safety rules to children
The growing number of road accidents in Singapore involving pedestrians is a warning call for us to be more vigilant about road safety.
The little ones in particular need to be drilled about road safety rules from young. Here are some basics:
- Look for the ‘green man’ at pedestrian crossings
The child should understand that unless the ‘green man’ is on, he cannot cross the road. If the child is too young to understand that, hold his hand (and NEVER let go) while crossing the road.
- Look right, look left, look right again while crossing the road
Even if there’s a green man, and even if it’s a pedestrian crossing, it’s always safer to check for cars coming in.
There are so many instances of cars being too busy to give way to pedestrians these days; the look right, left, right drill will help your child wherever he goes.
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Do not jaywalk
Many a time we are tempted to jaywalk, to save some time.
Children learn from us, so if they see us jaywalking, chances are that they would be tempted to do it when they are on their own. One wrong move could cost lives.
- Raise your hand when crossing the roads
Raising your hand allows motorists to be aware that someone is crossing. This is especially crucial for small kids, as they may be below the line of sight of motorists.
- Never use your kick scooter on the road
The kick scooter is not permitted for use on the road. Even at pedestrian crossings, the LTA recommends that you dismount and push the vehicle instead.
- Stay off the road and use footpaths and walkways wherever possible.
- Never use your phones or other gadgets while walking on the road.
- No playing near streets or parking areas.
- Don’t cross at road bends
Avoid crossing at road bends because your view is temporarily obstructed. You will be unable to see the oncoming vehicles, and they can’t see you either. Always cross from an area where you have a full view of the traffic.
Also READ: E-scooter accident in Singapore leaves 11-year-old girl hurt
(Source: The Straits Times, Channel NewsAsia, Today, Featured Image: Faecbook / Charlie Lim)