SINGAPORE: A safety review has been announced by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) following a serious accident at Woodlands Checkpoint on 24 May 2024. A Singapore-registered car collided with a Malaysia-registered bus along the Causeway early in the morning, raising concerns about traffic management practices in the busy area.
Details of the Incident
The accident occurred at approximately 5.28am when a departing vehicle struck an incoming bus. While the bus, carrying passengers, reported no injuries, the car’s driver—a 48-year-old man—and his three passengers, aged between 14 and 78, were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Investigation Findings
Preliminary investigations revealed a lapse in safety protocols, as the contraflow operation had been activated before necessary barriers were established. According to ICA, this deviation from standard procedures is unacceptable. The authority stated:
“This accident should not have happened. ICA is treating it very seriously, and we are assisting the Traffic Police who are investigating the accident.”
Ongoing Traffic Management
ICA has been implementing contraflow traffic management at the Causeway to ease congestion during peak times. This includes converting lanes to facilitate heavy vehicles without blocking traffic.
- Barriers are typically set up to divert traffic effectively.
- Increased vehicle flow may lead to temporary measures to handle surges in departing car traffic.
Immediate Response Actions
Following the incident, ICA officers promptly managed the traffic situation and alerted the Singapore Civil Defence Force and police. The authority announced a suspension of contraflow operations at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints over the weekend for a comprehensive safety review.
Motorist Advisory
Motorists are advised to expect delays in the interim. ICA has expressed apologies for any inconveniences caused and is committed to reviewing and enhancing its safety measures before resuming operations.