Polytechnic student Neo Ying Ying jolted in her seat when Tower Transit bus service 854 suddenly braked hard when approaching a bus stop along Hougang Avenue 3.
The vehicle continued its slow advance into the bus bay — and then the 18-year-old saw the bus captain slump sideways in his seat.
“The bus was still moving, so my first instinct was to go and check out the situation. I think the driver needed some help,” Neo recalled.
Neo, with fellow passenger Ng Lihui and SBS Transit bus captain Toh Tiong Huat, were recognised on Friday (Oct 16) for their roles in helping the Tower Transit bus captain, who had fallen ill at the wheel on Sept 14.
They were presented with tokens of appreciation by Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng, who commended them for their life-saving actions.
Bus service 854 was travelling from Bedok to Yishun when the incident occurred at about 1.30pm at the bus stop in Hougang.
Speaking to reporters after the event, the trio said they are happy and grateful for the acknowledgements and did not expect to receive so much public attention.
“I believe we didn’t think of coming forward,” said Ng, who had climbed into the driver’s cabin and engaged the handbrake after the bus hit the kerb.
The 40-year-old, who works in food manufacturing, identified herself to Tower Transit as one of the Good Samaritans at the encouragement of her friends.
Similarly, accounting student Neo was identified after a family member contacted Tower Transit.
“I didn’t expect so many comments from the public, like ‘You did well girl.’ and ‘Your parents will be proud of you’,” she said, explaining that she felt slightly embarrassed to be in the spotlight.
Read Full Article At Source
