SMRT bus fire near Woodgrove Primary School sees safe evacuation of passengers; no injuries reported

SINGAPORE: An SMRT bus caught fire near Woodgrove Primary School in Woodlands on 5 May 2026, with no injuries reported, according to authorities.

The incident occurred at about 1.30pm along Woodlands Avenue 1, when the bus had stopped at a designated stop to allow passengers to alight.

SMRT deputy managing director Vincent Gay said the bus captain noticed smoke coming from the driver’s compartment during the stop.

“As a precaution, he immediately guided all passengers to alight and move to a safe distance,” Gay said.

Shortly after the evacuation, flames broke out at the front section of the vehicle.

Gay said the driver promptly alerted the Bus Operations Control Centre, which then activated the Singapore Civil Defence Force.

SCDF confirmed it was alerted to the incident at around 1.40pm. Firefighters extinguished the blaze using a water jet and a hose reel.

The bus captain also attempted to contain the fire from a safe distance before emergency crews arrived, SMRT added.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Member of Parliament for the Woodgrove division of Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC Hany Soh said she is aware of the situation and is in contact with 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,” Soh said.

“I am relieved that all passengers and the driver were able to evacuate safely.”

She also urged residents to avoid the area and follow instructions from officers as response operations continue.