In a heartwarming incident demonstrating the spirit of community, seven migrant workers were recognised for their bravery in rescuing a woman from a sinkhole at Tanjong Katong Road South. The incident happened on 26 July 2024, when a stretch of the road collapsed, causing a vehicle to plunge into the hole.
A Token of Appreciation
Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash met the seven workers on 27 July to present them with the MOM Assurance Care and Engagement (ACE) coin. In a video shared on social media, he highlighted the contributions of these workers, saying, “I think this is a very good example of how our migrant workers help society in general.”
Meet the Heroes
The seven workers, who played crucial roles in the rescue, include:
- Pitchai Udaiyappan Subbiah
- Velmurugan
- Saravanan
- Veerasekar
- Ajithkumar
- Chandirasekaran
- Rajendran
Dinesh expressed gratitude for their selfless actions, noting that such acts contribute to creating a more gracious society in Singapore.
Details of the Rescue
The incident took place around 5 PM when a loud crash was heard as a vehicle fell. Mr Subbiah, a foreman at a nearby construction site, immediately took charge and directed the other workers on how to safely assist the driver. They threw a nylon rope into the sinkhole to help her climb out, and Mr Subbiah lent her his phone to contact her daughter.
Fortunately, the woman was unharmed and was subsequently taken to the hospital by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for precautionary checks.
Road Closure and Safety Measures
Following the incident, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed that the affected section of Tanjong Katong Road South will remain closed for repairs until further notice. PUB, the national water agency, is conducting ongoing works to ensure safety and stability.
Transport authorities advise motorists to plan their routes ahead and expect delays during peak hours.
As we celebrate the resilience and quick thinking of these migrant workers, it’s a reminder of the vital roles they play in our community, often beyond their jobs in construction.