SMRT Bus Catches Fire Near Woodgrove Primary School; No Injuries Reported

Key facts

• Incident occurred on May 5, 2026, at about 1:30pm at a bus stop along Woodlands Ave 1.
• Bus service 967, operated by SMRT, caught fire near Woodgrove Primary School.
• Driver noticed smoke from the driver's compartment and guided all passengers to alight and move to safety.
• SCDF was alerted at about 1:40pm and extinguished the fire using a water jet and a hosereel.
• No injuries were reported; the cause of the fire is under investigation.
• Bus services 901, 901M, and 967 were diverted, per LTA's MyTransport.SG alert at about 2pm.
• MP Hany Soh thanked SCDF, SPF, Woodgrove Primary School staff, and residents for their swift response.

Driver's Quick Action Prevents Casualties

An SMRT bus caught fire near Woodgrove Primary School in Woodlands on Tuesday afternoon, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky. No injuries were reported, authorities said, thanks to the bus driver's prompt evacuation of passengers. The driver of bus service 967 noticed smoke coming from the driver's compartment at about 1:30pm, when the bus was stopped at a bus stop. As a precaution, he immediately guided all passengers to alight and move to a safe distance.

Fire Erupts and Is Extinguished

Shortly after the evacuation, a fire broke out at the front of the bus. The driver promptly alerted the Bus Operations Control Centre, which activated the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). The driver also attempted to put out the fire from a safe distance. SCDF said it was alerted to the vehicle fire along Woodlands Ave 1 at around 1:40pm and extinguished it using a water jet and a hosereel. In videos of the incident, flames are seen blazing at the front half of the bus, with a pillar of black smoke rising into the sky. Another video shows a firefighter spraying water over the bus, which has been reduced to metal.

Authorities Respond and Investigate

The cause of the fire is under investigation, SCDF said. The Land Transport Authority's MyTransport.SG webpage alerted the public about the fire near the bus stop outside Woodgrove Primary School at about 2pm, noting that bus services 901, 901M and 967 had to be diverted. Member of Parliament for the Woodgrove division of Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC Hany Soh said she is aware of the incident and is in contact with the relevant agencies. "My sincere thanks to the SCDF and SPF officers, staff from Woodgrove Primary School and helpful residents in the vicinity for their swift response," Ms Soh added. "I am relieved that all passengers and the driver were able to evacuate safely."

Community and School React

The incident occurred near Woodgrove Primary School, though no students or staff were reported to be involved. The school's proximity to the fire prompted a swift response from school staff, who helped ensure the area was safe. Ms Soh urged residents to avoid the area and follow the instructions of officers on the ground as operations continue. The fire has raised concerns about bus safety, though SMRT has not yet commented on the cause or any potential preventative measures.

Broader Implications for Public Transport Safety

This incident is the latest in a series of bus fires in Singapore, highlighting the importance of rigorous maintenance and driver training. SMRT, one of the country's major public transport operators, faces scrutiny over its fleet's condition. The safe evacuation underscores the effectiveness of emergency protocols, but the cause of the fire remains unknown. Investigations will determine if mechanical failure, human error, or other factors were responsible.

What Comes Next

SCDF and SMRT are conducting investigations to determine the fire's origin. The affected bus services have resumed normal routes, but the diverted services may have caused delays for commuters. Authorities have not announced any changes to bus operations or inspections. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and rapid response in public transport emergencies.

The bottom line

• A bus fire near Woodgrove Primary School resulted in no injuries due to the driver's quick evacuation.
• SCDF extinguished the fire using a water jet and a hosereel after being alerted at 1:40pm.
• The cause of the fire is under investigation by authorities.
• Three bus services were diverted following the incident.
• MP Hany Soh expressed relief and thanked emergency responders and school staff.
• The incident highlights the importance of bus maintenance and emergency preparedness.