A remarkable scene unfolded on Tanjong Katong Road South on 26 July 2024, when quick-thinking workers rescued a female driver whose car fell into a sudden sinkhole. The event was captured in dramatic videos that emerged on social media, showing the immediate response by construction workers and emergency services.
Incident Overview
The sinkhole appeared at approximately 5.50 PM, coinciding with a worksite nearby. According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), the driver was conscious and able to walk when she was helped out of the car.
Heroic Actions by Workers
- Mr Pitchai Udaiyappan Subbiah, the site’s foreman, led efforts to rescue the woman.
- Workers used a nylon rope to pull her to safety after ensuring no one else was trapped inside the vehicle.
- Subbiah, who has spent 22 years working in Singapore, lent the driver a phone to call her family.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with several workers swiftly responding to the incident. Video footage showed traffic being diverted by workers who quickly set up barriers to manage the situation.
Response from Authorities
The national water agency, Public Utilities Board (PUB), expressed appreciation for the workers’ prompt actions and confirmed that the driver was taken to hospital for check-ups. On-site assessments indicated no damage to surrounding buildings, and authorities swiftly closed the road to facilitate recovery efforts.
Community Reactions
Residents in the vicinity were understandably shaken. A local retiree, Mr Toh, reflected on the close call, mentioning that his family frequently traverses the area. “What would happen if we were caught?” he pondered, grateful for the quick rescue.
The Incident has raised awareness about the safety protocols near active construction sites and the importance of swift community action in emergencies.