S’pore taxi driver beaten unconscious by passenger

Knocked out cold.
 
That’s what happened to a taxi driver after picking up a passenger from a hotel in Pasir Panjang, according to news reports.
 
Police arrested a 30-year-old man on Wednesday morning after he allegedly beat up the taxi driver until the latter was unconscious, reported Asiaone.
 
According to Chinese daily Shin Min Daily News, the 48-year-old taxi driver said he had picked up his passenger from a hotel in Pasir Panjang through a telephone booking.
 
Trouble began when the passenger, reportedly a Korean male, vented his anger on the cabby for driving a "lousy car". Speaking fluent English, he proceeded to raise his voice at the taxi driver while ordering him to head to the airport after throwing his luggage into the boot.
 
Despite repeated efforts by the driver to calm the passenger down, he refused, even breaking a door handle while trying to force the door open.
 
It was at this point the taxi driver decided to call the police, which only served to infuriate the passenger further, reported Asiaone.
 
The man allegedly began punching the driver's head and back -- knocking him unconscious – after the taxi driver tried to take the man’s photo.
 
When the cabby regained consciousness, the passenger allegedly continued to attack him until the latter begged him to stop. Police arrived just as the passenger was retrieving his bags from the taxi.
 
Said ComfortDelGro spokesperson Tammy Tan, "We are shocked to learn about the incident and certainly do not condone passengers displaying such aggression towards our cabbies, especially since our cabby had done nothing to provoke the passenger in this instance."
 
Tan added that their immediate concern is the well-being of their driver and the company will be assisting the driver with his medical bills. The taxi operator is also currently working with the police for investigations.