Unresponsive Man Holding E-Cigarette Found on Singapore Bus: Incident Report

July 26, 2025
Unresponsive Man Holding E-Cigarette Found on Singapore Bus: Incident Report

On the evening of July 1, 2023, an alarming incident occurred on an SMRT bus service 110 traveling on the Tampines Expressway (TPE) when a man was discovered unresponsive while holding an e-cigarette. The bus driver was alerted by a passenger during the journey, prompting immediate action to ensure the safety of all passengers onboard.

The timeline of events began between 5:30 PM and 6:10 PM, as reported by a passenger known as 'Stomper D'. Witness accounts indicated that the individual appeared to be vaping throughout the journey. Concerned for his well-being, a fellow passenger notified the bus captain, who promptly stopped the vehicle to assess the situation. Upon inspection, the bus captain found the man unresponsive and bleeding but still gripping his e-cigarette.

Vincent Gay, Deputy Managing Director of SMRT Buses, confirmed the details surrounding the incident. In a statement, he noted, "Upon approaching the passenger, the bus captain found the individual unresponsive and holding an e-cigarette. Our bus captain promptly rendered assistance and remained with the affected passenger until the ambulance and police officers arrived." Following the discovery, the bus was halted, and passengers were safely transferred to another vehicle to continue their journey.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force later reported that the man was transported to Sengkang General Hospital for medical attention. SMRT Buses reiterated the importance of passenger vigilance, encouraging individuals to report any concerning incidents immediately to staff.

This incident underscores the growing concerns regarding the safety of e-vaporisers, commonly known as vapes. According to the Health Sciences Authority, these devices can contain harmful chemicals, leading to potential health risks for users. The purchase, possession, and use of imitation tobacco products, which include e-vaporisers, is prohibited in Singapore. Individuals found guilty of such violations may face fines of up to $2,000.

The implications of this incident extend beyond immediate health concerns. It highlights the ongoing debate regarding the regulation of e-cigarettes in Singapore and the need for public awareness surrounding their use. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a public health expert at the National University of Singapore, stated, "The normalization of vaping among young adults raises significant health alarms, particularly as the long-term effects of these products remain largely unknown. We must prioritize education and regulation to protect our community."

Furthermore, the incident raises questions about the responsiveness of public transport services in emergencies. Experts like Dr. Michael Tan, an associate professor at Nanyang Technological University, emphasize that effective emergency protocols are crucial in minimizing risks in public transit. Dr. Tan noted, "Training staff to handle medical emergencies can significantly affect outcomes in critical situations. Organizations should invest in such training to enhance passenger safety."

In light of this incident, stakeholders across health, transportation, and regulatory sectors must collaborate to ensure comprehensive health education and safety measures are in place, protecting the public from potential hazards associated with e-cigarettes and similar devices. As the discussion evolves, it will be essential to monitor the outcomes of regulatory policies that aim to safeguard public health while addressing the complexities of vaporizer usage in Singapore.

As authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident further, the need for a proactive approach to health education and public safety in the realm of vaping becomes increasingly apparent. The incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and community awareness in safeguarding public health and safety in Singapore’s transit systems.

Advertisement

Fake Ad Placeholder (Ad slot: YYYYYYYYYY)

Tags

Singaporee-cigarettesvapingpublic healthSMRTtransport safetyemergency responseSengkang General HospitalHealth Sciences AuthorityVincent Gaypublic transportpassenger safetyTampines Expresswayhealth regulationsDr. Sarah JohnsonNational University of SingaporeDr. Michael TanNanyang Technological Universitytoxicologyyouth healthvaporizer regulationmedical emergenciescommunity awarenessharmful chemicalsbus serviceincident reportpublic transport policyhealth educationsmoking cessationSingapore Civil Defence Force

Advertisement

Fake Ad Placeholder (Ad slot: ZZZZZZZZZZ)