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A major collision on the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) sent three people to the hospital on August 19, 2025, including an SBS Transit bus driver. The incident, which involved an off-service bus and at least two other vehicles, caused significant damage across both sides of the expressway. Authorities have launched an investigation as new details emerge from witness accounts and social media clips.
SBS Transit spokesperson Grace Wu confirmed that the bus was operating Service 170 but was not in service at the time of the crash. “The bus captain sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment. Two other motorists were also taken to the hospital. We deeply apologize for the accident and the inconvenience caused. We are assisting the police with their investigations,” Wu said in a statement.
Videos circulated on social media show the aftermath of the crash. In one clip, the bus is wedged against the left-side barriers of the expressway. The camera then pans to the right, revealing a motorcycle lying on its side in the second lane. The central divider’s bushes and barriers were severely damaged, indicating the force of the impact.
A separate video from the opposite side of the BKE captures an ambulance stationed in the second lane, in front of three vehicles. A silver car appears to be facing oncoming traffic, straddling the second and third lanes. Next to it, a badly damaged car with its rear crushed is sandwiched between the silver vehicle and a black van. The scene suggests a complex chain reaction involving multiple vehicles crossing into opposing lanes.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) have been contacted for further details. As of the latest update, SCDF confirmed that paramedics responded to the scene at around 8:15 a.m. and transported the three injured individuals to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Their conditions are not yet publicly known.
Traffic on the BKE was heavily affected for several hours, with lanes closed in both directions as crews worked to clear debris and damaged vehicles. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) advised motorists to avoid the stretch near the Dairy Farm Road exit and seek alternative routes.
Safety experts point out that expressway accidents involving off-service buses are rare but highlight the need for strict maintenance checks and driver vigilance. “Even a bus not carrying passengers can cause significant damage due to its size and weight,” said Dr. Lim Wei Ming, a transport safety analyst at the National University of Singapore. “Investigators will look at factors like tire condition, brake system, and driver fatigue.”
The Bus Drivers’ Union has expressed concern for the driver’s well-being and called for a thorough probe. “Our priority is the health of the bus captain and all affected individuals. We urge the authorities to release findings promptly to prevent similar incidents,” said union representative Mohd Hafiz.
This is not the first major incident on the BKE this year. In March, a multi-car pileup near the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) interchange resulted in six injuries. The BKE, a key artery linking northern Singapore to the city, has seen a 5% increase in accidents in 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to LTA data.
The Straits Times continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available from the police and SCDF. For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured and the investigation into the cause of the crash.
