A Singapore bus captain has been hailed as a hero after he bravely protected passengers during a violent attack by a passenger. Tham Kok Poi, 50, sustained multiple injuries to his head but managed to safely bring the bus to a stop and ensure the safety of all onboard.
A Tower Transit bus captain has been lauded for his bravery after enduring multiple blows to the head from a passenger during a senseless attack on his route. Tham Kok Poi, 50, was operating the number 969 double-decker bus en route to Tampines on January 6th when 24-year-old Cheng Yuan Kang boarded the bus with his mother in Yishun.
According to Tham, while the bus was traveling at approximately 60 kilometers per hour on the Seletar Expressway with over 50 passengers on board, Cheng attacked him without provocation. During Cheng's sentencing on February 26th, the court revealed that Cheng had been distressed after an acquaintance called to inform him of a change in meeting location. However, when Tham suggested he could meet at the next bus stop, Cheng reacted violently, grabbing the steering wheel with both hands and attempting to steer the bus into a tree. 'He was very emotional, but the safety of the passengers was my top priority. I couldn't let go of the steering wheel no matter what, so I pushed him away,' said Tham. Following the brief struggle, Cheng moved to the rear of the bus and smashed a glass window using the emergency hammer. He threatened other passengers not to call the police, warning that he would target their families. He then proceeded to punch his mother twice in the face and kick her twice on the shin before threatening to kill Tham. After briefly stopping along the shoulder of the expressway, the bus driver continued driving to the next bus stop in Punggol. Tham then disembarked all passengers before filing a police report and informing his company of the incident.Tham stated that he took 10 days of medical leave and is still undergoing monthly check-ups in addition to regular medication. Cheng was sentenced to 14 weeks and 10 days in jail after pleading guilty to one count of voluntarily causing hurt, one for a rash act, and one charge for criminal intimidation. The court heard that Cheng experiences difficulties with impulsiveness and emotional regulation and is currently receiving treatment at the Institute of Mental Health. 'My emotions were affected to some extent. After all, I was beaten for no reason,' he said. 'It's good that he (Cheng) is willing to admit his mistakes and make amends. My wife and three children are a little worried, but they are also proud of me.' While Tham was recovering, Tower Transit presented him with a gift basket, certificate, and a $100 shopping voucher. In a Facebook post on Friday (February 28), the bus operator shared that students from Unity Secondary School, who had learned about his story, applauded and cheered for him. 'A spontaneous show of appreciation for a true hero,' said Tower Transit. 'Thank you for your resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to keeping our passengers safe.
Bus Captain Singapore Attack Heroism Tower Transit Passenger
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