Two elderly die after minibus collides with tow truck
They were on bus, going home from St Andrew's Community Hospital
Two seniors died yesterday after the minibus they were in collided with a tow truck on the Pan Island Expressway near Tampines.
They were returning home after treatment at St Andrew's Community Hospital when the accident happened at about 10.45am.
One of the victims, Madam Kalsum Bee, 86, had been going for physiotherapy sessions at the hospital every Monday and Thursday, said her daughter-in-law, housewife Rugaiyah Samon. Madam Kalsum had suffered a stroke one and a half years ago and lived with her domestic helper.
Whenever she had physiotherapy, she would take the minibus back to her home in Bedok Reservoir with her helper, known only as Sri, 27.
Madam Rugaiyah, 55, said she was shocked to get a phone call at around 11am, informing her of the accident.
"Sri called me when she was at the hospital," said Madam Rugaiyah, who rushed to Changi General Hospital.
She was unable to see Madam Kalsum, who had a severe head injury and was initially sent to the Accident and Emergency Department. The elderly woman was unconscious in the intensive care unit when Madam Rugaiyah reached the hospital.
She died a few hours later.
"She (Madam Kalsum) was lovable, everyone loved her," said a relative, who wanted to be known only as Mr Isa.
Madam Rugaiyah managed to visit Ms Sri, who was conscious in an observation room. She had bruises on her back, a swollen face, cuts on the head and even vomited from the pain, said Madam Rugaiyah.
Ms Sri also had to undergo a scan to check on her head injury.
An unidentified 78-year-old passenger was also killed, said police.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force said it received a call at 10.45am and sent two fire engines, four ambulances and two fire bikes. The police said the accident involved a minibus, a tow truck and a truck.
TNP understands that the tow truck was there to move the truck when the accident happened.
The front of the minibus was crushed after it collided with the side of the tow truck.
Four passengers in the minibus and the male driver were sent to Changi General Hospital, said police.
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