During the recent National Day Parade 2025 National Education show on 5 July, a Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tank (L2SG) made headlines for unintentionally colliding with a traffic light while executing a right turn near Parliament House and the Supreme Court. The incident, which occurred around 7.20pm, has elicited a strong reaction from Singaporeans online, with many expressing empathy for the tank driver.
What Happened?
The technical issue that led to the mishap took place after the Mobile Column segment of the parade. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) confirmed that the tank was travelling within the speed limit of 20 km/h during the incident. Fortunately, no personnel were injured, and the tank remained safely within a cordoned area, away from the public.
Social Media Reaction
Facebook page SGRV shared footage of the incident, where viewers could see the tank bumping into the traffic light, which was left slightly askew. The video quickly garnered over 472,000 views within just ten hours. The online community had mixed responses, with many praising the tank operator for their quick response, averting a potentially serious situation.
- Netizens expressed understanding towards the inexperienced driver, many being aware that they are often full-time national servicemen.
- Comments ranged from light-hearted jokes to constructive suggestions for future rehearsals.
User reactions varied, with some attributing the mishap to mechanical failure, stating that it can happen even to skilled operators. One former technician pointed out that steering issues could easily lead to such accidents.
Repairs and Investigations
MINDEF reported that while the traffic light sustained minor damage, it has since been repaired in collaboration with the Land Transport Authority and the NDP 2025 Executive Committee. Investigations into the incident are still ongoing.
As Singapore gears up for its 60th National Day celebration on 9 August, this incident serves as a reminder that even in well-rehearsed displays, unexpected events can occur—making for memorable moments in the nation’s history.