SINGAPORE – A disturbing incident occurred on the evening of July 5, 2025, when a woman sustained injuries aboard a double-decker SMRT bus traveling along Orchard Road. The bus, operating on route 190, was in motion near The Heeren at approximately 6:45 pm when an unidentified individual hurled a bottle at the vehicle’s upper deck window. The impact created a fist‑sized hole and extensive cracking across the glass panel.
Cited form CNA, SMRT Buses’ deputy managing director, Vincent Gay, confirmed the occurrence, noting that a member of the public had deliberately thrown the bottle at the bus during its route on Orchard Road. The sudden strike forced the driver to bring the vehicle to an immediate halt out of caution. Subsequent safety checks were conducted, and all passengers were safely transferred to a following bus to continue their journeys.
Emergency services were promptly activated. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reported receiving a distress call at around 6:45 pm and arriving swiftly on the scene. They attended to the injured passenger—a 57‑year‑old woman—who remained conscious as she was conveyed to Raffles Hospital for medical attention.
Photographic evidence circulated on social media platform Xiaohongshu, depicting the bus stopped outside The Heeren with its upper‑deck window shattered. A pronounced hole, roughly the size of a clenched fist, was clearly visible, alongside fractured glass strewn within the cabin.
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The police were notified at approximately 6:50 pm and have initiated investigations to identify and charge the person responsible. SMRT has indicated full cooperation with the authorities as they work to determine how the incident unfolded and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
While the motives behind the attack remain unclear, the episode raised significant safety concerns among commuters. Public reaction on Reddit and other platforms expressed worries about passenger protection, especially on public transit. One comment on r/singapore lamented: “How could someone be standing close enough to do that so casually?”
Singapore’s efficient public transport system, widely regarded as reliable and secure, faced a jarring moment of vulnerability. The incident underscores the need for heightened vigilance, improved monitoring, and public awareness to ensure passenger well‑being. Transport advocates are calling for enhanced security protocols, such as increased surveillance and quicker response procedures to mitigate risks posed by such reckless acts.
As investigations proceed, the transit operator and law enforcement agencies are expected to review preventive measures. This event serves as a reminder that even trusted public transport systems can be compromised, and ongoing efforts must be dedicated to safeguarding passengers against unprovoked, dangerous behaviour.
