Singapore bus driver jailed after driving off while passenger was alighting, causing fatal fall

SINGAPORE. July 7 — A private bus driver has been jailed for eight weeks after he drove off while a 72‑year‑old passenger was still alighting, causing her to fall, suffer a severe head injury and later die in hospital.

The Straits Times reported that Ang Oon Leng, 61, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Lee Bee Lwee by performing a negligent act. He was also disqualified from holding or obtaining all classes of driving licences for five years upon release, and ordered to pay about US$2,200 (RM6,937) in compensation to her dependant.

According to court documents, Ang had been hired in 2024 to ferry cleaning staff to and from work. On March 5, 2025, he stopped his bus at a taxi stand outside Hillion Mall in Petir Road for passengers to alight. Without checking the doors or ensuring everyone had disembarked, he began driving off and negotiating a curved road while the rear door remained open.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Thaddeus Tan said the movement of the bus caused Lee — who was still stepping off — to fall and hit her head. Ang heard a loud impact, stopped the vehicle and found her lying on the ground. She was taken to National University Hospital, where she died around 4pm the same day.

Ang was arrested a week later and charged in 2026. The prosecution sought up to 12 weeks’ jail, noting that Lee had been described as a cheerful and well‑loved individual active in community events.

For causing death by a negligent act, offenders may be jailed for up to two years, fined, or both.