A remarkable act of bravery unfolded on 17 August 2024, when SMRT bus captain Yau Minddin Bin Muhamad responded to a burning car near the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. His swift decision to intervene showcases the spirit of community service that many Singaporeans value.
A Quick Decision
While driving bus service 960e back to the Woodlands Depot, the 48-year-old spotted a BMW engulfed in flames along Bukit Timah Road. Initially hesitating, he quickly assessed the situation. “I thought for a couple of seconds if I should lend a helping hand,” he recalled.
- Yau decided to stop when he saw the driver waving for help.
- He thought about his own family’s safety and could not bear the idea of leaving someone in distress.
Courage in Action
With passenger safety in mind, Yau grabbed a portable fire extinguisher from his bus and dashed across the road to assist. “If something happened, I can’t forgive myself,” he remarked, underscoring his sense of duty.
Upon confirming there were no occupants trapped in the vehicle, he began spraying the flames. However, about five minutes into the effort, a minor explosion occurred, prompting him to reconsider continuing his fight against the fire.
Support from the SCDF
Thankfully, help soon arrived from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), who successfully extinguished the flames with a water jet and hose reel. No injuries were reported, but Yau later discovered he had sustained a minor injury from the earlier explosion.
Reflections on the Incident
Yau’s humility shone through as he shared his feelings about the incident. “Whether people know or not, or whether they appreciate, it’s not important,” he said, demonstrating a selfless attitude that resonates with many in Singapore. Not only did he act in the face of danger, but he also prioritized others’ wellbeing above his own.
As Yau returned to service, his actions were lauded by Vincent Gay, deputy managing director of SMRT Buses, who expressed pride in Yau’s quick thinking and willingness to assist—a true embodiment of SMRT’s ethos of Doing Right and Doing Good.