Sarah Brady
Updated on: October 17, 2024 1:37 am GMT
Six people were injured when two shophouse units partially collapsed on Syed Alwi Road in Singapore on the early morning of October 8. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m., raising urgent concerns for the safety of residents and passersby in the area.
The Incident
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded swiftly after being alerted to the collapse at 84 and 85 Syed Alwi Road, which houses a vegetarian Indian restaurant and a retail store. Upon arrival, SCDF teams conducted thorough checks to ensure there were no individuals trapped under the rubble.
- Two double-storey units affected
- Emergency response included search dogs and drones
- Firefighters rescued one person trapped on the second floor
Witnesses reported hearing a loud blast, which led emergency responders to deploy a firefighting machine as a precaution. This device was used to disperse any potential buildup of flammable gases using its water mist spray feature.
Emergency Response
The SCDF worked diligently to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Their operations included:
- Immediate area search to locate possible victims
- Deployment of search dogs and drone technology to enhance visibility and efficiency
- Rescue operation for one person unable to evacuate due to a blocked staircase
While no individuals were found trapped in the debris after a detailed search, two people sustained minor injuries and were taken to Singapore General Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital for treatment. Additionally, four individuals were assessed for injuries but opted not to go to the hospital.
Eyewitness Accounts
Social media brought real-time updates from the site. A netizen named Qristal Adrianna was livestreaming when the incident unfolded. In her video, she captured the chaos around her, including echoing ambulance sirens and bystanders expressing shock at the scene.
“I heard an explosion at a restaurant next to Mustafa Centre,” Adrianna stated. “It was quite frightening to witness it all happen.” Her footage showcased the crowd gathering, with shattered glass strewn across the road, indicating the extent of the damage.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, investigations into the cause of the collapse are underway. The SCDF remained at the scene to monitor the situation and ensure that no further hazards existed. Community members were urged to stay clear of the area while officials assessed the damage.
Local businesses and residents have expressed their concern over safety in the vicinity of Syed Alwi Road. The collapse surprised many, as this part of Singapore is known for its vibrant mix of shops and eateries.
Community Impact
The incident has raised questions about the structural integrity of older buildings in Singapore, particularly the shophouses that play a significant role in the cultural landscape of the city. Authorities are likely to evaluate safety protocols and necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Local Guidance
Residents and visitors are reminded to stay vigilant, particularly in areas known for older buildings. The SCDF advises reporting suspicious sounds or potentially hazardous situations to local authorities immediately.
The partial collapse of the shophouses on Syed Alwi Road shows how important it is for our community to be aware of safety. Luckily, even though it was a serious event, no one got stuck under the rubble, and there were only a few injuries. As we look into what happened, it’s important for everyone in the community to work together to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
