ANOTHER loud call rang out on Monday to make it compulsory for mini-buses to install seatbelts when ten China nationals were hurt after the minibus they were on collided into the back of a tipper truck.
A taxi also rammed into the rear of the minibus.
The three-vehicle pile up took place during the morning rush-hour at at about 8.45am on Monday, along the East Coast Parkway (ECP), just after the Ford Road flyover, in the direction of the city.
A group of about 20 China nationals working in a construction firm were on the way to collect their work permits when their minibus braked suddenly before slamming into a tipper truck in front.
The impact of the crash sent 34-year-old Meng Xiang Ping hurtling forward and he hit his knee against the metal handrest of the seat in front.
'Everything happened in a flash. I was talking to a friend one moment and the next thing I knew, I was thrown forward,' said Mr Meng, who is married and has an eight-year-old son back in Anhui, China.
While Mr Meng escaped the ordeal with only a bruised knee, some others on the bus that was not fitted with seat belts, were not as fortunate.
The China national group leader seated behind the driver was flung forward and broke his nose after slamming into a metal pole.
Another passenger seated right at the front was unconscious when the Singapore Civil Defence Force arrived at the scene.
All 10 casualties were taken to the Singapore General Hospital.
Of the ten workers, at least five have been discharged for minor injuries. The drivers of all three vehicles were not injured.
The workers had arrived from China early this month and have been working and living in Sengkang for the past two weeks.
The accident renewed calls for seat belts in minibuses.
In April, eight-year-old Russell Koh was flung out of a minibus that did not have seat belts fitted.
The Transport Ministry said last month that new school vans will need seat belts.
A three to six-month study will determine if existing school vans should be fitted with lap belts or more expensive cross-body belts.
