Tragedy in Singapore: Indian worker killed as building collapses in demolition mishap

Singapore, June 16: In a devastating incident, the body of a 20-year-old Indian national was recovered from the debris of the collapsed Fuji Xerox Towers building in Tanjong Pagar, Singapore's Central Business District. The worker, employed by Aik Sun Demolition and Engineering, lost his life during demolition works on Thursday.

Rescue operations spanned over six hours before the worker's body was discovered late on Thursday night. The search was challenging due to the weight of the concrete slab, estimated to be at least 50 tonnes, which complicated efforts to free him from the rubble.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) stated that the worker was found pinned under a collapsed reinforced concrete structure around 6 pm. Despite the dedicated efforts of rescue teams, the worker had no pulse and was not breathing. After nearly four hours of painstaking work to extract him, the body was recovered at around 9.45 pm and pronounced dead at the scene.

Also Read: Cyclone Biparjoy causes massive power outages, leaving 900 villages in Gujarat stranded

The rescue operation involved the deployment of 11 emergency vehicles, approximately 70 officers, and two search dogs. SCDF's Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) personnel had to navigate through the rubble, contending with the weight of the concrete slab and tangled scaffolding, to reach the trapped worker.

Colonel Firoz Ramjan, commander of the 1st SCDF Division, highlighted the challenges faced during the operation, including the estimated 40 to 50 tonnes of reinforced concrete slab measuring half a meter in thickness. The SCDF took measured actions to ensure the safe retrieval of the body.

Search operations continued throughout the night to ensure no other individuals were trapped under the rubble. CCTV footage indicated that there were no other persons beneath the collapsed structure.

Witnesses near the scene expressed deep concern about the safety of workers, as the building had been undergoing demolition works for several months. The collapse came as a shock to many, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures.

City Developments Limited (CDL), the developer responsible for the project, expressed profound sadness over the incident. CDL extended their deepest condolences to the worker's family and pledged to work closely with Aik Sun to provide assistance. The well-being of the affected workers remained their immediate priority, and they assured cooperation with contractors to offer necessary support.

The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety protocols in construction and demolition activities, ensuring the well-being and security of workers involved in such operations.

Also Read: Deadly collision in Manitoba: 15 killed as truck crashes into bus carrying seniors