Pre-Dawn Chaos: Accident at Woodlands Checkpoint

SINGAPORE – In a dramatic incident before dawn on May 24, a car traveling towards Johor Bahru collided with a bus entering Singapore as traffic direction was reversed at Woodlands Checkpoint. The crash occurred at 5:28 AM, leading to significant chaos.

Injuries Reported, Quick Responses Follow

The driver of the Singapore-registered vehicle and three passengers were promptly rushed to the hospital. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the bus passengers, and its driver declined medical assistance. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) expressed grave concern over the accident, emphasizing, "This should not have happened," as they collaborate with the Traffic Police on the investigation.

Safety Protocols Ignored During Traffic Operations

Witnesses may have been caught off guard as the contra-flow traffic operations, intended to manage heavy congestion, were initiated improperly. Typically, these operations require safety barriers to be established before any changes in traffic flow occur. The ICA acknowledged that preliminary findings revealed that barriers had not been put in place before the contra-flow was activated.

Response and Future Safety Measures

Immediately following the incident, ICA officers jumped into action, managing the traffic situation and alerting emergency services. In light of the accident, the ICA imposed a safety pause, suspending contraflow operations over the weekend to reevaluate their safety protocols.

Anticipated Delays Ahead

Motorists should brace themselves for delays as the ICA implements a thorough review of safety measures before reinstating contraflow operations. With traffic conditions expected to be affected, it's essential for drivers to stay informed.