A midday mishap has led to the arrest of a lorry driver after his vehicle struck the ceiling of a tunnel at the Cairnhill Circle entrance of the Central Expressway (CTE) on 8 November 2024. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, but this incident has caused disruptions and raised safety concerns.
Details of the Incident
According to the police, a 55-year-old driver was apprehended for operating a heavy motor vehicle exceeding the maximum height of 4.5m without a police escort. The incident occurred around noon as the lorry, bearing the company name A & T Waste Haulage Services, entered the tunnel towards the Seletar Expressway.
Damage and Delays
- The collision led to damage to electrical and mechanical equipment on the tunnel’s ceiling.
- However, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed that there was no structural damage to the tunnel itself.
- The slip road was subsequently closed for repairs and reopened at 10:35 PM on the same day.
Visuals from the Scene
Footage shared on the social media page SG Road Vigilante revealed the moments leading up to the collision. The video shows the lorry approaching the tunnel and hitting a height restriction bar, before striking the tunnel ceiling. Cables could be seen dangling from above as other vehicles navigated the affected slip road.
Ongoing Investigations
Police investigations are currently underway to assess the full implications of the incident. This accident serves as a reminder of the paramount importance of adhering to vehicle regulations—especially concerning height restrictions.