Singapore Bus Driver Confesses to Witnessing Cyclist Collision While Continuing to Drive in Loyang

Singapore Bus Driver Confesses to Witnessing Cyclist Collision While Continuing to Drive in Loyang

After 19 Months of Waiting, Justice Finally Got the Wheels Turning

For German Jr Miranda Gonzales’s family, the day the bus driver got slapped with a 7‑month prison sentence felt like a long‑awaited final chapter in a heartbreak novel. The 31‑year‑old, a cyclist who loved speed, was hit by SBS Transit bus driver Ku Chee Kong on Loyang Avenue, leaving a trail of pain that still lingers.

What Went Down

  • 77‑year‑old driver, 68 at the time, admits guilt. He pleaded guilty to driving without reasonable consideration, an offense that took young German’s life.
  • Seven‑month jail clause. The court’s verdict saw Ku sent straight to the pad, no soft spots.
  • In addition to the prison term, Ku will lose all driving licence categories for eight years once he walks out.
  • German was not only a cyclist but also a father to two little boys; his wife now navigates life on her own.

Erwin Gonzales’s Moment in the Spotlight

When the sentencing took place, 44‑year‑old Erwin Gonzales, an aircraft mechanic with a sharp eye for details, was in court. He broke into tears, clutching his nephew’s bike frame like a talisman.

“My brother left behind his wife and two boys,” Erwin said, voice trembling but steady. “Tearing up even after the verdict, I’m finally feeling a sense of closure. I’m grateful our fight is ending, the world can breathe a little easier.”

Why This Matters

  • It reminds us that justice doesn’t always move at the speed of a motorbike; sometimes it takes years to click into place.
  • It sends a clear message: reckless driving leads to real consequences, and the law will enforce those in the hands of the wrongdoers.
  • And most importantly, it gives a grieving family the emotional finish they deserve—like closing a chapter in a novel that’s finally moving toward the last page.

<img alt="" data-caption="Mr Gonzales German Jr Miranda (left) with his elder brothers, including Mr Erwin Gonzales (right). PHOTO: The Straits Times/Erwin Gonzales” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”4019a55a-52ba-443f-a96d-082b0b96e2c0″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/bro_2210_ST.jpg”/>

Whoops! A Late‑Night Cycling Slip‑Up on Loyang Avenue

Picture this: it’s March 19, 2021, 10:30 PM – the city lights are twinkling, traffic’s a lull, and German Miranda is pedalling along Loyang Avenue, feeling like the night’s his personal racetrack.

When the Bus Gets a Little Too Close

  • Deputy Public Prosecutor Yohanes Ng tells the court: German was heading toward a right‑hand turn at the junction of Pasir Ris Drive 1 and Loyang Avenue when he spotted a mysterious shadow on his left.
  • Despite the traffic light favouring buses, German Gonzales swerved across the pedestrian crossing like a comic book hero on a mission.
  • Footage from a Land Transport Authority camera shows the bus rolling up, blasting the high‑beam lights twice – once as German starts his crossing and again as the cyclist is right in front of the vehicle.
  • In a dramatic (and unfortunate) moment, the bus swoops in and clips German’s bike from behind.

Why This Even Matters

It isn’t just a story about a late‑night bike ride. It’s a wake‑up call for all lane devotees about the importance of road signs, the dangers of a sudden high‑beam flash, and making sure cyclists don’t get tricked by shadows.

Takeaway

Remember: keep your eyes on the lights, keep your hands on the wheel, and never give a bus a free pass over a ped‑crossing. The night’s a magic place for cycling, but safety should be the anthem you ride to.

<img alt="" data-caption="Mr German Jr Miranda Gonzales was cycling along Loyang Avenue when he was hit and dragged by a bus for about 35m. PHOTO: Lianhe Zaobao” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”f9f14b47-157f-4ae5-9111-db5e67c88b3b” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/busstop_2210_WB.jpg”/>

When One Driver Ignored the Adrenaline‑Rush Lane

The Crash That Sprint‑Tried to Pass

Picture a twilight in Singapore, a red bus ferrying its passengers past the main street. The unsuspecting driver—named Ku—just kept driving, no brakes, no stop, all while a chorus of horns from the nearby commuters blasted like a bad alarm clock.

Passenger Voices Over the Roar

  • Passengers shouted: “Stop! Stop!”
  • Just as the bus made a right turn, a female passenger asked, “Did you see what went down?”
  • Ku, eyes on the road, replied faintly: “Yes.”
  • Only after the commotion subsided did the bus hit the brakes and come to a complete halt.

The Fatal Destination

Meanwhile, German Gonzales—who had just begun his journey on the island—was dragged across the road for about 35 metres and sustained a storm of injuries. The ambulance reports he passed away at the scene at 11:31 pm.

Blood Speak

An autopsy counted 221 milligrams of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. The state coroner, Adam Nakhoda, quoted Associate Professor Teo Eng Swee: “With that level, the person was obviously drunk—nausea, less than perfect balance, and a shuffle that made you think of a drunken dance.”

The Legal Showdown

Front page drama: the prosecutor, DPP Ng, wanted 8–10 months in jail for Ku. He argued Ku didn’t slam on the brakes even though horn‑fire blew outside and inside the bus. The defense, Joshua Lin, pleaded for a modest fine of $7,000, saying:

  • “The green light was in Ku’s favour.”
  • “German crossed the road without warning – the bus was already turning.”
  • “Our client has no intention of driving again; he’s truly remorseful.”

Family Echoes

Erwin Gonzales—German’s brother and a seasoned aircraft technician—shared heartfelt memories in court. His brother had arrived from the Philippines a month before, bringing a dream of a better life. The accident happened less than 200 metres from their roughly‑told flat on Loyang Avenue. He spoke to the court, “Now that he’s gone, I’m doing my best to support his wife and our little boys, 11 and 12.”

As the blame and hearts collide, Singapore’s bus lanes had their share of drama that night—one that reminds us that a steady driver can sometimes be a traffic casualty instead of an automotive hero.