Missing worker found dead at Tanjong Pagar building demolition site
Investigations launched by authorities as wall collapse prompts demolition worksite shutdown
SINGAPORE — A tragic accident occurred at the Fuji Xerox Towers construction site in Tanjong Pagar during demolition works on Thursday (15 June), resulting in the death of a 20-year-old Indian worker after the collapse of the concrete wall.
After more than six hours of search and rescue operations, rescue workers discovered the worker's body beneath the rubble.
According to a media statement by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), the worker was found pinned under a collapsed reinforced concrete structure around 6pm. The worker had no pulse and was not breathing.
"The casualty was finally freed after nearly four hours around 9.45pm. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a paramedic," the statement said.
The rescue team faced challenges as they had to cut, break, and dig through the debris, complicated by the weight of the concrete slab, which was estimated to be at least 50 tonnes.
SCDF had dispatched 11 emergency vehicles and 70 officers to the work site, including firefighters, rescue workers, and emergency medical workers. The search efforts also involved officers from Marina Bay Fire Station, rescue specialists from the elite Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Dart), and two search dogs.
SCDF stated that all workers from the worksite were checked in the afternoon and none of them reported any injuries.
The police are currently investigating the unnatural death of the 20-year-old worker, added SCDF.
Demolition wall collapse prompts investigation and worksite shutdown
In a joint statement on the same day, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Building and Construction Authority (BCA) reported that a 10-meter long and 3.8-meter high reinforced concrete wall on the building's second storey collapsed during the demolition.
Consequently, the BCA instructed all construction activities to cease, revoking the permit for ongoing works while investigations are carried out. Additionally, the MOM directed the worker's employer to halt all activities at the site.
The statement clarified that the remaining sections of the building were deemed stable, with no concerns regarding its structural integrity.
The worksite is occupied by Woh Hup, while Aik Sun Demolition and Engineering is identified as the employer of the deceased worker.
City Developments Limited (CDL) has earmarked the location where Fuji Xerox Towers once stood for a future mixed-use development known as Newport Plaza. It has conveyed their condolences to the family of the deceased worker.
"Our immediate priority is the well-being of the affected workers, and we are working closely with our contractors to provide the necessary support. Workplace safety is of paramount importance and we are cooperating fully with the authorities for a thorough investigation," said the CDL spokesperson.
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