On May 2, a woman suffered an injury after she lost her balance while attempting to change seats on a moving bus in Singapore. Zhou, a 57-year-old sales promoter, was thrown off balance when the bus driver suddenly braked, causing her to slam her back against a seat handle and fall to the floor.
A kind female passenger helped Zhou sit on the steps of the bus, and another passenger informed the driver about the fall, prompting him to stop the vehicle. Zhou requested an ambulance to take her to the hospital, but was met with resistance from the driver, who questioned whether it was necessary to call for medical help, saying, “Must you really call an ambulance?” Zhou claimed the driver also warned her against making baseless reports, which could jeopardize his job.
Determined to speak up about the incident, Zhou decided not to remain silent, given recent reports of reckless driving by other bus captains. In response, Go-Ahead Singapore, the bus operator, explained that the driver had been focused on the road but had stopped safely once made aware of the incident. They added that the driver followed procedure by offering assistance and seeking Zhou’s consent to call for medical help.
Zhou was later transported to Sengkang General Hospital by ambulance. Although X-rays showed no significant injuries, she was admitted for observation due to severe pain, bruising, and difficulty breathing. She also vomited during her first night in the hospital. Despite feeling some relief, Zhou still experiences pain in her back and buttocks, which makes it hard for her to sit or lie down comfortably.
Zhou’s main concerns now include a potential $800 loss in commissions from her sales job, as her company’s policy reduces her earnings if she takes more than six days of sick leave within a month. Her job requires her to stand for long hours, and she is uncertain how long it will take to recover. Her daughter hopes the bus company will cover medical expenses and offer compensation.
Go-Ahead Singapore mentioned that they were attempting to contact Zhou for assistance and would look into the incident further.