'Human ladder': Passengers pull each other to safety after Singapore-bound bus overturns in Malaysia

A Singapore-bound express bus spun out of control and plunged into a ditch along the North-South Expressway in Malaysia on Tuesday (Sept 1).

The accident occurred at around 120.9km southbound, along the stretch between Pagoh and Yong Peng in Johor, according to Oriental Daily on Thursday.

Tribun News reported that the main bus doors were reportedly jammed and blocked from the impact forcing passengers to evacuate through the emergency roof or side exits and the driver's compartment.

With the bus flipped on its side, it created a steep drop separating the emergency exit from the ground, which left several passengers stranded and unable to descend on their own, reported Oriental Daily.

Viral video circulating online showed passengers pulling one another out of the wreckage. 

A male passenger bent down to serve as a "human ladder", allowing fellow survivors to descend safely.

The video has been liked more than 8,500 times and reposted over 980 times as at Friday afternoon.

'An unsung hero'

The viral footage has since drawn an outpouring of praise online, with netizens commending the anonymous man's selflessness.

Many also hailed the moment as a true testament to unity in the face of disaster.

"Please find the man who became the ladder! I want to meet him. He's an unsung hero," wrote a netizen.

Another commented: "Kindness is a universal language; we don't need a passport or religious credentials to appreciate a helping hand."

"Thank you to those who helped," wrote another netizen, adding "as a Malaysian, I am so proud watching this video".

@asiaone The accident reportedly occurred at KM120.9 between Pagoh and Yong Peng, Johor while an express bus was on its way to Singapore. #MalaysiaNews #Malaysia #Wholesome #Accident #NotAllHeroesWearCapes ♬ original sound - AsiaOne

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