In a remarkable display of courage, Lim Chwin Chien, a bus captain with Tower Transit, helped extinguish a vegetation fire in Sengkang just hours before rushing home to register for his wedding. The incident took place at approximately 12.10 a.m. on 20 January 2024, behind a bus stop near Punggol Road along the Tampines Expressway.
Bravery Under Pressure
Captured on video by a passenger, Lim is seen calmly approaching the fire with a fire extinguisher, demonstrating his training and composure. He even took a moment to assess the situation before attempting to extinguish the flames a second time, as the windy conditions reignited the fire after his first attempt. Still, his top priority remained the safety of commuters waiting at the bus stop.
- Lim requested a passenger to notify emergency services during the incident.
- He subsequently apologised to his passengers for any delays caused.
Acknowledgment and Awards
In response to Lim’s heroic efforts, Glenn Lim, Director of Communications and Customer Experience at Tower Transit, praised him for prioritising commuter safety. Lim will receive the Superstar Award from Tower Transit, recognising staff who go above and beyond their call of duty.
Adding to the accolades, he will also be honoured with the Community First Responder Award by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) on 13 February 2024. Lim, who has four years of experience in the role, humbly commented, “Maybe this is an auspicious sign for my wedding.”
Training for Emergencies
Bus captains in Singapore are equipped with fire extinguishers and first aid kits as part of their training in basic firefighting and lifesaving skills. This incident reflects a dedicated initiative by local bus operators to prepare their staff for emergency situations, aiming to ensure the safety of passengers and the community.
Reports indicate the fire involved vegetation measuring about half a metre square, and thankfully, no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities.