Tragic Taxi Tangle at Gleneagles Hospital
On the morning of October 4, a fateful collision on the Gleneagles Hospital service road took a 70‑year‑old resident’s life. The incident unfolded at 11:21 am when a series of vehicles, including two cars and two taxis—one from Trans‑Cab and the other from SMRT—met in a chaotic chain‑reaction.
The Drivers and Their Intention
- SMRT taxi driver (62 years old) was implicated in the collision and later hospitalized at National University Hospital in a conscious state.
- Trans‑Cab taxi driver suffered damage to his vehicle’s left rear after the SMRT taxi slammed into it.
Passengers and Their Story
- 70‑year‑old passenger, likely on a pre‑hospital heart check‑up before returning to Indonesia, was later declared dead. The exact cause remains a mystery.
- 42‑year‑old passenger, who seemed to manage a faint grin before dropping to the floor, received medical care promptly.
A quick look at the in‑vehicle footage from the Trans‑Cab shows the vehicle jolting violently with a startled shout echoing in the background. Though the camera captured the chaos, no official clip has been released publicly—just written descriptions for safety reasons.
City Response
Police investigations are still ongoing. The SMRT corporate communications VP, Margaret Teo expressed sorrow over the loss, adding that the company is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
What Went Wrong?
It appears the taxi driver, while attempting to drop off a passenger at the hospital, accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. This sudden surge sent the taxi forward like a runaway train, colliding with a parked car on its right, then another vehicle entering the service road, and finally an external car exiting the road.
Medical Attention
All injured parties were treated at the Gleneagles Hospital Emergency Department. The hospital later stated it couldn’t provide further details, citing privacy and ongoing investigative processes.
Stay tuned for updates as authorities piece together the full sequence of events and determine the ultimate cause behind the tragic loss. Until then, the community mourns while hoping for swift clarity.
