SBS Transit Bus Drivers Hailed as Heroes After Extinguishing Car Fire in Ang Mo Kio
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Two SBS Transit bus drivers are set to receive the Singapore Civil Defense Force‘s (SCDF) Community First Responder Award on January 16 for their swift actions in extinguishing a car fire in Ang Mo Kio on January 15. The drivers, identified as Mr. Lim Swee Shen and Mr. Liew Poh chye,demonstrated remarkable composure and quick thinking,preventing a potentially escalating situation.
Quick Response Prevents Escalation
The incident unfolded during the morning peak hour along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1. According to SBS Transit, Mr. Lim, operating service 133, and Mr. Liew, driving service 71, observed a vehicle engulfed in flames in the middle of the roadway. Without hesitation, Mr.Lim immediately retrieved a fire extinguisher from his bus and began attempting to suppress the blaze.
Mr. Liew arrived shortly thereafter, also equipped with a fire extinguisher, and the two drivers worked collaboratively to extinguish the flames before the arrival of SCDF officers. A video circulating on Facebook shows thick smoke billowing from the hood of a black car, followed by flames visible after the hood is lifted, and a bus driver actively using a fire extinguisher.
SCDF Commends Drivers’ Actions
The SCDF was alerted to the incident at 7:45 a.m. and confirmed that the fire, contained to the engine compartment of the vehicle, was successfully extinguished by the bus drivers utilizing two dry powder fire extinguishers. Importantly, the SCDF reported that no injuries were sustained as a result of the incident.
“The quick thinking and prompt efforts of these individuals were instrumental in preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of the public,” a senior SCDF official stated. The awards ceremony will be held at Seletar Depot on January 16 to formally recognize Mr. Lim and Mr. liew’s bravery and civic responsibility.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the car fire remains under investigation by the SCDF. Authorities are working to determine the origin of the blaze and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This incident underscores the importance of readily available safety equipment and the potential for everyday citizens to make a significant difference in emergency situations.
Why: A car fire broke out during the morning peak hour on Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1. Who: SBS Transit bus drivers Mr. Lim Swee Shen (service 133) and Mr. Liew Poh Chye (service 71) responded to the emergency. What: The drivers extinguished a car fire using fire extinguishers from their buses before the arrival of SCDF officers. How: Mr. Lim initially attempted to suppress the blaze, and Mr. Liew arrived shortly after to assist, working together to extinguish the flames. The fire was contained to the engine compartment, and no injuries were reported. The SCDF is investigating the cause of the fire, and the drivers will be awarded the Community First Responder Award on January 16.
